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FROM    THE    QEEMAN 


-©tar  Christian  p*opl£,  all  xi\aizt, 
3Sacf)  soul  fottf)  jog  upssrinsing  ; 

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(iftttf)  Iob£  attb  glafciuss  singing. 

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Jlftfiaaelphfa: 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION, 

NO.  821  CHESTNUT  STREET. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by 

JAMES  DUNLAP,  Theas., 

in  the  Clerk'*  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District  of 

Pennsylvania. 

STEREOTYPED  BY   JESPEE   HaRDIN'G   &   SON, 
-.STQUTRER   BUILDIXG,   SOUTH   THIRD   STREET,   PHILA. 


ABflETISIMIIT. 


The  devotional  Lyrics  of  Germany  have  a  pathos  and  unction 
which  are  peculiarly  grateful  to  the  Christian  heart.  Those  especi- 
ally which  were  written  in  the  better  days  of  the  German  Church, 
before  the  wide  diffusion  of  rationalism,  are  often  expressive  of  the 
best  and  holiest  emotions,  and  are  well  adapted  to  awaken  responsive 
feelings  in  those  who  have  participated  in  the  renewing  grace  of  God. 
In  the  rich  language  in  which  they  were  originally  conceived  and 
expressed,  they  possess  a  force  which  is  not  easily  retained  in  a  trans- 
lation. It  is  to  be  hoped,  however,  that  in  the  selection  which  is 
here  presented,  some  of  their  original  beauty  and  fervour  will  be  seen 
and  appreciated. 

The  translations  are  by  different  hands,  and  are  more  or  less  literal 
in  the  rendering.  The  compiler  has  freely  availed  himself  of  the 
various  sources  within  his  reach  :  The  Lyra  Germanica,  by  Catherine 
"Winkworth,  has  furnished  a  number ;  Hymns  from  the  Land  of  Luther 
has  contributed  a  less  number ;  the  Horse  Germanicse,  by  the  Rev. 
Henry  Mills,  I).  D.,  an  American   publication,  has  been  drawn  upon 

(iii) 


IV  ADVERTISEMENT. 

liberally,  by  the  kind  permission  of  the  author;  and  several  have 
been  selected  from  the  Voice  of  Christian  Life  in  Song.  Besides  these, 
acknowledgments  are  due  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  W.  Alexander,  the 
Rev.  Charles  W.  Shields,  and  the  Rev.  Robinson  P.  Dunn,  for  several 
which  will  be  distinguished  by  their  respective  names.  A  number 
also  have  been  gathered  from  periodicals,  the  names  of  the  translators 
not  being  known. 

The  compiler  might  readily  have  increased  the  number  of  the  selec- 
tions, but  the  design  was  to  make  a  volume  of  moderate  dimensions  and 
price,  which  would  more  certainly  circulate.  In  its  present  form  it  is 
commended  to  Christian  readers,  in  the  hope  that  it  may  serve  to 
enkindle  their  devotion  and  strengthen  their  graces. 

For  the  sake  of  those  who  understand,  or  who  are  studying,  the 
language  in  which  these  Lyrics  were  composed,  and  have  not  access  to 
the  sources  whence  they  are  derived,  we  have  thrown  into  an  Ap- 
pendix a  few  of  them,  in  their  beautiful  native  dress,  by  way  of 
specimen.  They  are  chiefly  extracted  from  that  treasure-house  of 
German  Hymnology,  "  Knapp's  Liederschatz." 

The  Editor  of  the  Board  of  Publication. 


PAGE 

God  liveth  ever 1 

The  God  of  nature  and  of  grace 4 

God  in  all  things 8 

The  Trinity 10 

The  word  of  God 12 

Care  for  the  soul 14 

Eternity 16 

Christ  is  all 20 

Redemption 22 

Christ's  coming ,....  24 

Turning  to  the  Cross ,..,„ 27 

The  Holy  Spirit 30 

Christ's  presence 32 

The  Christian's  hope ,... 35 

Pilgrimage  of  life 37 

The  chief  good 40 

A  song  of  praise  for  the  Gospel 43 

The  love  of  God „ 46 

God  with  me » 47 

Light  in  darkness 49 

Let  me  find  thee 50 

My  Father  is  the  mighty  Lord 52 

The  Lamb  of  God 54 

V 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

The  father-land 58 

The  believer's  conflict 39 

Suffering  with  Christ 61 

The  sympathy  of  Jesus 62 

In  God  is  our  strength 66 

Weep  not 69 

Arise 71 

Thy  will  be  done 73 

Here  is  my  heart 76 

The  angel  of  patience 79 

The  Crucified 80 

Looking  unto  Jesus 83 

Commit  thy  way  to  God 85 

Welcome  to  Christ 89 

God  to  be  trusted 91 

Christian  conflict 94 

Hope  in  God's  mercy 96 

The  mercy  of  God 97 

0  sacred  head 100 

Fruits  of  godly  sorrow 104 

Home 108 

The  nativity  of  Christ 109 

Be  thou  content 110 

1  will  not  let  thee  go 112 

Hope  in  God 113 

Tears  of  Jesus 115 

The  pure  in  heart 117 

Pilgrim  song 120 

Rejoice 123 

Longing  for  Jesus 125 

God  our  defence 127 

The  loss  of  pious  friends 129 

God  is  my  light 131 

The  Cross 133 

Christian's  estimate  of  the  world 136 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

PAGE 

One  thing  is  needful 139 

Christian  thanksgiving 142 

Trust  in  God 146 

In  thee  I  triumph 148 

The  cure  of  sorrow 150 

It  is  not  dying 153 

God's  presence 155 

Submission 156 

That  land 159 

On  Alpine  heights 160 

Our  little  church 162 

Morning  Hymn 164 

God  with  us 166 

Remember  me 167 

My  God,  I  know  that  I  must  die 170 

A  Mother's  prayer  in  the  night , 172 

The  long  goodnight 174 

Repentance 176 

Conscience  appeased 178 

Hope  in  God's  mercy 181 

Christ  our  Rock 183 

Passing  away 186 

Casting  our  cares  on  God 188 

There  remaineth  a  rest 191 

Sickness 194 

Heavenward  journey 197 

Death  made  welcome 199 

Support  in  death 201 

The  pious  dead 203 

Christian's  view  of  Eternity 204 

The  quiet  hoping  heart 207 

The  redeemed 209 

The  resurrection 212 

The  day  of  judgment 215 

Tho  joys  of  Heaven 216 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Morning  Hymn 219 

Evening  Hymn 221 

Funeral  Hymn 224 

Ah!  grieve  not  so 226 

The  communion  of  saints 228 

Joys  to  come 231 

A  morning  song  of  gladness 233 

The  remembrance 234 

The  Deliverer  from  bondage 236 

The  holiness  of  God  brought  near  to  man  in  Christ 239 

Appendix 241 


[SBIX. 


PAGE 

A  gentle  Angel  walketh  throughout  a  world  of  woe 79 

Ah  !  grieve  not  so,  nor  so  lament 226 

A  Lamb  goes  uncomplaining  forth 54 

All  must  die  !  there's  no  redemption 199 

Arise  ye  longing  saints,  arise 71 

As  a  bird  in  meadows  fair 233 

A  stronghold  firm,  a  trusty  shield 127 

Attend,  0  Lord,  my  daily  toil 155 

Behold  me  here,  in  grief  draw  near 50 

Be  thou  content;  be  still  before 110 

Can  I  this  world  esteem 136 

Come,  brothers,  let  us  onward 120 

Come  forth,  come  on,  with  solemn  song 224 

Cometh  sunshine  after  rain 150 

Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord 85 

Couldst  thou  inherit  life  with  Christ  on  high 61 

Darkness  reigns — the  hum  of  life's  commotion 172 

Dear  Christian  people,  all  rejoice 43 

Dear  Saviour,  when  I  here  am  blest 35 

Down  in  a  gloomy  dell 108 

Dread  Majesty  above 4 

ix 


X  INDEX. 

PAGE 

Eternity!  Eternity! 16 

Flow,  my  tears,  flow  still  faster 80 

For  help,  Oh  whither  shall  I  flee? 59 

From  deep  distress  to  thee  I  pray 181 

Go  and  dig  my  grave  to-day 186 

God  liveth  ever 1 

God  is  my  light! — never  my  soul  despair 131 

God!  whom  I  as  Love  have  known 194 

God  with  us!  Immanuel ! 166 

Greater  the  cross,  the  nearer  heaven 133 

Heavenward  doth  our  journey  tend 197 

Here  is  my  heart ! — my  God,  I  give  it  thee 76 

How  shall  I  meet  thee?  how  my  heart 24 

How  weary  and  how  worthless  this  life  at  times  appears 49 

I  am  redeemed  ! — the  purchase  of  that  blood 22 

If  thou,  true  Life,  wilt  in  me  live 20 

I  journey  forth  rejoicing 174 

I'm  but  a  weary  pilgrim  here 204 

I  now  have  found,  for  hope  of  heaven 97 

I  now  have  found  the  Rock  of  ages 183 

I  trust  the  Lord  upon  his  word 12 

I  will  not  let  thee  go ;  thou  help  in  time  of  need 112 

Jesus,  Jesus,  visit  me 125 

Jesus,  my  eternal  trust 212 

Know  ye  the  land — on  earth  'twere  vainly  sought 58 

Leave  all  to  God 146 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  mighty  gates 89 

Lord,  on  the  soul's  enduring  worth 14 

Lord  !  thy  death  and  passion  give 27 


INDEX.  XI 

PAGE 

Most  high  and  holy  Trinity 10 

My  Father  is  the  mighty  Lord,  whose  arm 52 

My  God!  lo!  here  before  thy  face 91 

My  God,  I  know  that  I  must  die 170 

My  God  with  me  in  every  place 47 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt! 73 

My  life  is  but  a  pilgrim-stand 37 

No,  no,  it  is  not  dying 153 

Nothing  fair  on  earth  I  see 8 

Not  in  anger  smite  us,  Lord 90 

Now  rest  the  woods  again 221 

Now  the  crucible  is  breaking 104 

0  Christ !  how  good  and  fair 210 

O  Friend  of  souls,  how  well  is  me 148 

Oh  !  how  blessed  faithful  souls  are  ye 203 

Oh  !  how  blessed  are  ye,  saints  forgiven 228 

Oh  !  how  could  I  forget  him 234 

O  holy  Light,  of  light  engendered 164 

Oh  !  only  see  how  sweetly  there 162 

Oh  that  I  had  a  thousand  voices 142 

O  mighty  Spirit!  Source  whence  all  things  sprung 239 

On  Alpine  heights  the  love  of  God  is  shed 160 

Once  more  from  rest  I  rise  again 219 

One  thing  is  needful  !  let  me  deem 139 

O  Sacred  Head,  now  wounded 100 

O  silent  Lamb  !  for  me  thou  hast  endured S3 

Out  of  the  depths  I  cry  to  thee 113 

O  watchman,  will  the  night  of  sin 32 

Pure  Essence!  Spotless  fount  of  Light 117 

Rejoice,  all  ye  believers 123 

Remember  me,  my  God,  remember  me 167 

Repent!  nor  still  delay 123 


XU  INDEX. 

PAGE 

Strive,  when  thou  art  called  of  God 94 

There  is  a  land  where  beauty  will  not  fade 159 

Thou  deep  abyss  of  blessed  love 46 

Thou  weepest  o'er  Jerusalem 115 

Thou  who  lovest  us  as  a  father 30 

Thus  said  the  Lord,  "Thy  days  of  health  are  over" 156 

Weep  not, — Jesus  lives  on  high 69 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right 207 

What  meanest  thou,  my  soul 178 

What  within  me  and  without 188 

When  now  the  solemn  hour  is  nigh 201 

When  the  solid  earth  is  quaking 215 

Who  are  those  before  God's  throne 209 

Who  seeks  in  weakness  an  excuse 66 

Why  weepest  thou?  The  bodies  of  the  just 129 

Will  not  that  joyful  be 231 

Within  me,  Lord,  thou  hast  implanted 40 

Yes,  there  remaineth  yet  a  rest 191 


atreb  f grits  from  fyt  German 


SOB  MYKTH  EYEft, 

God  liveth  ever ! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair  thou  never  ! 
Our  God  is  good ;  in  every  place 

His  love  is  known,  his  help  is  found, 
His  mighty  arm,  and  tender  grace 

Bring  good  from  ills  that  hem  us  round. 
Easier  than  we  think  can  he 
Turn  to  joy  our  agony. 
Soul,  remember  'mid  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 

God  liveth  ever  ! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair  thou  never  ! 
Say,  shall  He  slumber,  shall  he  sleep, 
Who  gave  the  eye  its  power  to  see  ? 

(l) 


SACRED     LYRICS 

Shall  He  not  hear  his  children  weep 
Who  made  the  ear  so  wondrously  ? 
God  is  God ;  he  sees  and  hears 
All  their  troubles,  all  their  tears. 
Soul,  forget  not  'mid  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 

God  liveth  ever ! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair  thou  never  ! 
He  who  can  earth  and  heaven  control, 

Who  spreads  the  clouds  o'er  sea  and  land, 
Whose  presence  fills  the  mighty  whole, 
In  each  true  heart  is  close  at  hand. 
Love  him,  he  will  surely  send 
Help  and  joy  that  never  end. 
Soul,  remember  in  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 

God  liveth  ever ! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair    thou  never  ! 
Scarce  canst  thou  bear  thy  cross?     Then  fly 

To  Him  where  only  rest  is  sweet ; 
Thy  God  is  great,  his  mercy  nigh, 

His  strength  upholds  the  tottering  feet. 
Trust  him,  for  his  grace  is  sure, 
Ever  doth  his  truth  endure ; 
Soul,  forget  not  in  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

God  liveth  ever  ! 
0  my  Soul,  despair  thou  never ! 
When  sins  and  follies  long  forgot 

Upon  thy  tortured  conscience  prey, 
0  come  to  God,  and  fear  him  not, 
His  love  shall  sweep  them  all  away. 
Pains  of  hell,  at  look  of  his, 
Change  to  calm  content  and  bliss. 
Soul,  forget  not  in  thy  pain, 
God  o'er  all  doth  ever  reign. 

God  liveth  ever ! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair  thou  never! 
Those  whom  the  thoughtless  world  forsakes, 

Who  stand  bewildered  with  their  woe, 
God  gently  to  his  bosom  takes, 

And  bids  them  all  his  fulness  know. 
In  thy  sorrows'  swelling  flood 
Own  His  hand  who  seeks  thy  good. 
Soul,  forget  hot  in  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 

God  liveth  ever  ! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair  thou  never ! 
Let  earth  and  heaven  outworn  with  age, 
Sink  to  the  chaos  whence  they  came ; 
Let  angry  foes  against  us  rage, 

Let  hell  shoot  forth  his  fiercest  flame ; 


SACRED     LYRICS 

Fear  not  Death,  nor  Satan's  thrusts, 
God  defends  who  in  him  trusts; 
Soul,  remember  in  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 

God  liveth  ever! 
Wherefore,  Soul,  despair  thou  never ! 
What  though  thou  tread  with  bleeding  feet 

A  thorny  path  of  grief  and  gloom, 
Thy  God  will  choose  the  way  most  meet 
To  lead  thee  heavenwards,  lead  thee  home. 
For  this  life's  long  night  of  sadness 
He  will  give  thee  peace  and  gladness. 
Soul,  forget  not  in  thy  pains, 
God  o'er  all  for  ever  reigns. 


Zihn.     1682. 


Til  SOB  OF  IATBII  AND  OF 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Dread  Majesty  above ! 
Of  prayer  none  else  is  worthy : 

The  angels  near  th}'  throne 
With  reverence  bow  before  thee : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

In  love  and  humble  faith 
Make  thou  our  souls  sincere, 
That  we  may  seek  thy  face 
With  thanks  and  holy  fear. 

Thou  art  the  highest  good, 

To  every  ill  a  stranger  ; 

Thy  bliss,  complete  in  thee, 

Of  change  can  fear  no  danger : 
All  glory  too  is  thine, 
Nor  creatures,  great  or  small, 
Thy  glory  can  increase, 
Great  Maker,  Lord  of  all. 

Thou  callest  what  was  not 
To  life  and  conscious  pleasure ; 

And  beings  round  thee  spread 
In  numbers  out  of  measure  : 
Thy  nature  all  is  love, 
And  works  of  boundless  skill 
Unceasingly  employed, 
Thy  schemes  of  love  fulfil. 

Thou  speakest,  and  'tis  done ; 
When  bat  thy  word  was  given, 

The  frame  of  nature  rose  — 
The  earth  and  starry  heaven. 


SACRED     LYRICS 

Thy  will  throughout  the  world 
Such  deeds  of  power  show, 
As  creatures  else  would  think 
Beyond  all  power  to  do. 

Thou  art  the  Lord  of  lords ; 
And  earthly  kings,  the  highest, 

Before  thee  are  but  dust, 
Thou  all  their  strength  suppliest. 

Whose  pride  thou  wouldst  depress, 

Who  longer  can  sustain  ? 

But,  whom  thou  wilt  exalt, 

Shall  envied  glory  gain. 

'Tis  thine  alone,  to  live 
And  reign  supreme  for  ever. 

Life  's  thine  to  give  or  take, 
We  breathe  but  by  thy  favour. 

The  soul  that  rules  in  us 

We  have,  Most  High,  from  thee ; 

Were  such  thy  will,  it  dies, 

But  thou  must  ever  be. 

Thee — who  has  ever  seen  ? 
Who  can  in  flesh  behold  thee  ? 

No  mortal  eye  could  bear 
The  splendors  that  infold  thee, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

Where  thou,  in  glory  throned, 
Inhabitest  the  praise 
Which  angels,  evermore, 
In  songs  of  rapture  raise. 

What  we,  immortal  King, 
Are  of  thy  nature  knowing, 

Thou  hast  thyself  revealed, 
Thy  works  and  counsels  showing. 
Creation  speaks  thy  power, 
More  clearly  still  th}^  Son 
Displays  thy  wondrous  grace, 
And  makes  the  Godhead  known. 

Yet,  what  we  learn  of  thee 
With  shadows  here  is  shrouded ; 

But  soon  we  hope  a  light 
And  vision  all  unclouded, 
When  we  to  God  shall  come, 
No  shade  or  veil  between; 
And  there  his  glory  see, 
As  we  ourselves  are  seen. 

Meantime  would  we  below 
Ne'er  cease  our  honours  bringing ; 

Despise  not,  Lord,  the  praise 
Our  stammering  tongues  are  singing : 


SACRED     LYRICS 

When  we  shall  rise  to  thee 
In  realms  of  light  above, 
In  higher,  nobler  strains, 
We  '11  sing  the  God  of  love. 

J.  S.  Dieterich,  died  1797. 


Keine  Schonheit  hat  die  Welt. 


Nothing  fair  on  earth  I  see 
But  I  straightway  think  on  thee; 
Thou  art  fairest  in  my  eyes, 
Source  in  whom  all  beauty  lies  ! 

When  I  see  the  reddening  dawn 
And  the  golden  sun  of  morn, 
Quickly  turns  this  heart  of  mine 
To  thy  glorious  form  divine. 

Oft  I  think  upon  thy  light 
When  the  grey  morn  breaks  the  night ; 
Think,  what  glories  lie  in  thee, 
Light  of  all  Eternity ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

When  I  see  the  moon  arise 
'Mid  Heaven's  thousand  golden  eyes, 
Then  I  think,  more  glorious  far 
Is  the  Maker  of  yon  star. 

Or  I  think  in  spring's  sweet  hours, 
When  the  fields  are  gay  with  flowers, 
As  their  varied  hues  I  see, 
What  must  their  Creator  be ! 

When  along  the  brook  I  wander, 

Or  beside  the  fountain  ponder, 

Straight  my  thoughts  take  wing  and  mount 

Up  to  thee,  the  purest  Fount. 

Sweetly  sings  the  nightingale, 
Sweet  the  flute's  soft  plaintive  tale, 
Sweeter  than  their  richest  tone, 
Is  the  name  of  Mary's  Son. 

Sweetly  all  the  air  is  stirred 
When  the  Echo's  call  is  heard ; 
But  no  sounds  my  heart  rejoice 
Like  to  my  Beloved's  voice. 

Come  then,  fairest  Lord,  appear, 
Come,  let  me  behold  thee  here, 


10  SACRED     LYRICS 

I  would  see  thee  face  to  face, 
On  thy  proper  light  would  gaze. 

Take  away  these  veils  that  blind, 
Jesus,  all  my  soul  and  mind ; 
Henceforth  ever  let  my  heart 
See  thee  truly  as  thou  art ! 


Axgelts,  died  1677. 


TBS  TamTY. 

Hochh e iliche  Dveie in ujke it. 


Most  High  and  Holy  Trinity! 

Who  of  thy  mercy  mild 
Hast  formed  me  here  in  time,  to  be 
Thy  image  and  thy  child  : 
Oh  let  me  love  thee  day  and  night 
With  all  my  soul,  with  all  my  might ; 
Oh  come,  thyself  my  soul  prepare, 
And  make  thy  dwelling  ever  there ! 

Father  !  replenish  with  thy  grace 
This  longing  heart  of  mine, 

Make  it  thy  quiet  dwelling-place, 
Thy  sacred  inmost  shrine ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  11 

Forgive  that  oft  my  spirit  wears 
Her  time  and  strength  in  trivial  cares; 
Enfold  her  in  thy  changeless  peace, 
So  she  from  all  but  thee  may  cease  ! 

0  God  the  Son !  thy  wisdom's  light 

On  my  dark  reason  pour ; 
Forgive  that  things  of  sense  and  sight 
Were  all  her  joy  of  yore ; 
Henceforth  let  every  thought  and  deed 
On  thee  be  fixed,  from  thee  proceed; 
Draw  me  to  thee,  for  I  would  rise 
Above  these  earthly  vanities  ! 

0  Holy  Ghost !  thou  fire  of  love, 

Enkindle  with  thy  flame  my  will ; 
Come  with  thy  strength,  Lord,  from  above, 
Help  me  thy  bidding  to  fulfil : 
Forgive  that  1  so  oft  have  done 
What  I  as  sinful  ought  to  shun ; 
Let  me  with  pure  and  quenchless  fire 
Thy  favour  and  thyself  desire  ! 

Most  High  and  Holy  Trinity  ! 

Draw  me  away  far  hence, 
And  fix  upon  eternity 

All  powers  of  soul  and  sense  ! 


\  SACRED     LYRICS 

Make  me  at  one  within ;  at  one 
With  thee  on  earth ;  when  life  is  done 
Take  me  to  dwell  in  light  with  thee, 
Most  High  and  Holy  Trinity ! 

Axgelus,  died  1677. 


Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

I  trust  the  Lord  ;  upon  his  word 

I  rest  my  soul's  well-being : 
My  walk  with  thee,  Lord,  here  must  be 

By  faith,  and  not  by  seeing. 

Thy  word  is  sure;  may  it  secure 

My  confidence  for  ever! 
Let  reason's  pride  ne'er  be  my  guide 

From  faith  my  soul  to  sever. 

What  but  thy  word  could  light  afford, 
To  save  from  doubt  and  error  ? 

Where  else  is  shown,  than  here  alone, 
Escape  from  guilt  and  terror  ? 

'Tis  here  made  plain, — sought  else  in  vain- 
The  soul  is  ever-living  : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  13 

For  endless  days,  of  future  praise, 
That  thou  this  life  art  giving. 

The  only  scheme  man  to  redeem 

From  death,  sin's  fearful  wages, 
Would  lie  concealed,  but  as  revealed 

In  these  thy  sacred  pages. 

And  now  shall  grief  hope  no  relief, 

My  soul  sink  down  despairing  ? 
No  ! — here  I  see  thy  grace  for  me 

A  Father's  love  declaring. 

By  faith  to  live,  its  fruits  to  give, — 

This  is  the  path  to  heaven  : 
All  strength  and  skill  to  do  thy  will 

But  through  thy  word  are  given. 

Teach  me,  0  Lord,  to  prize  thy  word, 

This  gift  of  matchless  favour : 
Be  it  my  wealth,  be  it  my  health, 

My  strength  and  life  for  ever ! 

C.  F.  Gellert,  died  1769. 


14  SACREDLY KICS 


GARB  FOR  Til  80WL. 

Lord,  on  the  soul's  enduring  worth, 
As  in  thy  sacred  word  set  forth, 

So  fix  rny  deep  reflection  : 
That  care  for  its  eternal  weal 
Shall  every  other  care  excel, 

And  rule  my  constant  action. 

Thyself  hast  for  its  interests  cared; 
For  it  what  joy  hast  thou  prepared, 

Riches  of  grace  expending  ! 
Thine  image,  which  at  first  it  bore, 
In  all  its  brightness  to  restore, 

Thy  Son  in  mercy  sending. 

Superior  to  such  life  as  this, 
Designed  for  pure  and  endless  bliss, 

In  flesh  'tis  here  in  training, 
That  exercise  of  faith  and  love 
May  nurture  it  for  joys  above, 

Where  Jesus  now  is  reigning. 

Thou  'rt  ready,  to  thy  promise  true, 
Life's  fleeting  cares  to  guide  it  through, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  35 

And  for  thy  glory  cherish ; 
0  let  me  not,  by  unbelief, 
Condemn  this  soul,  in  hopeless  grief, 

Beneath  thy  wrath  to  perish. 

Lord,  to  thyself  in  covenant  join 
My  soul : — be  thy  sure  mercies  mine, 

My  trust  in  thee  unshaken  ! 
This  is  my  prayer,  and  this  my  aim, 
0  may  I  never  know  the  shame 

Of  covenant  vows  forsaken. 

In  thee  the  wicked  have  no  part; 
Create  in  me  an  humble  heart, 

That  feels  for  sin  abhorrence ; 
That  for  its  guilt  before  thee  mourns, 
But  to  thy  grace  in  Jesus  turns 

With  hope  and  full  concurrence. 

Throughout  my  course,  in  all  its  length, 
May  I,  Lord,  strengthened  with  thy  strength, 

Strive  for  that  crown  of  glory 
Which  thou  hast  set  before  my  eyes, 
While  earth's  fair  promises  I  prize 

But  as  an  idle  story. 

How  blest  the  faithful,  none  can  show ; 
Sweet  peace  and  joy  their  portion  now, 


16  SACRED     LYRICS 

Imparted  by  thy  Spirit : 
And,  when  the  appointed  hour  is  come, 
Thou  wilt  to  glory  take  them  home. 

Thy  kingdom  to  inherit. 

J.  S.  Dieterich.  died   1797. 


ITEHSITY. 

0  !  Ewigheit  !   0  !  Eiciglceit  ! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 
How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 
And  yet  to  thee  time  hastes  away, 
Like  as  the  warhorse  to  the  fray, 
Or  swift  as  couriers  homeward  go, 
Or  ship  to  port,  or  shaft  from  bow. 
Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 
How  long  art  thou,  Eternity! 
For  even  as  on  a  perfect  sphere 
End  nor  beginning  can  appear, 
Even  so,  Eternity,  in  thee 
Entrance  nor  Exit  can  there  be. 
Ponder.  0  Man.  Eternity! 


FROM     THE     G  E  R  If  A  N  .  17 

Eternity!   Eternity! 

How  lone  art  thou,  Eternitv! 

A  circle  infinite  art  thou. 

Thy  centre  an  eternal  now. 

Never,  we  name  thy  outward  bound, 

For  never  end  therein  is  found. 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 

A  little  bird  with  fretting  beak 

Might  wear  to  nought  the  loftiest  peak, 

Though  but  each  thousand  years  it  came, 

Yet  thou  wert  then,  as  now,  the  same. 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity ! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 

As  long  as  God  is  God,  so  long 

Endure  the  pains  of  hell  and  wrong, 

So  long  the  joys  of  heaven  remain ; 

Oh  lasting  joy!   Oh  lasting  pain! 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 

0  Man,  full  oft  thy  thoughts  should  dwell 

2 


18  SACRED     LYRICS 

Upon  the  pains  of  sin  and  hell, 
And  on  the  glories  of  the  pure, 
That  both  beyond  all  time  endure. 
Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity ! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 

How  terrible  art  thou  in  woe, 

How  fair  where  joys  for  ever  glow ! 

God's  goodness  sheddeth  gladness  here, 

His  justice  there  wakes  bitter  fear. 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity ! 

Eternity!   Eternity! 
How  long  art  thou,  Eternity  ! 
They  who  lived  poor  and  naked  rest 
With  God  for  ever  rich  and  blest, 
And  love  and  praise  the  highest  good, 
In  perfect  bliss  and  gladsome  mood. 
Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 
How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 
A  moment  lasts  all  joy  below, 
Whereby  man  sinks  to  endless  woe; 
A  moment  lasts  all  earthly  pain, 
Whereby  an  endless  joy  we  gain. 
Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  1(J 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity! 

Who  ponders  oft  on  thee  is  wise. 

All  fleshly  lusts  shall  he  despise, 

The  world  finds  place  with  him  no  more ; 

The  love  of  vain  delights  is  o'er. 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity ! 

Who  marks  thee  well  would  say  to  God, 

Here,  judge,  burn,  smite  me  with  thy  rod, 

Here,  let  me  all  thy  justice  bear, 

When  time  of  grace  is  past,  then  spare  ! 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity ! 

Eternity!  Eternity! 

How  long  art  thou,  Eternity! 

Lo,  I,  Eternity,  warn  thee, 

0  Man,  that  oft  thou  think  on  me, 

The  sinner's  punishment  and  pain, 

To  them  who  love  their  God,  rich  gain ! 

Ponder,  0  Man,  Eternity! 

Wulffer,  died  1685. 


20  SACRED     LYRICS 


GEftlST  IS  ALL. 

Lebst  du  in  mir,  0  wahres  Leben. 

If  thou  true  Life,  wilt  in  me  live, 
Consume  whate'er  is  not  of  thee ; 

One  look  of  thine  more  joy  can  give 
Than  all  the  world  can  offer  me. 

0  Jesus,  be  thou  mine  for  ever, 

Nought  from  thy  love  my  heart  can  sever, 

That  thou  hast  promised  in  thy  word ; 
Oh  deep  the  joy  whereof  I  drink, 
Whene'er  my  soul  in  thee  can  sink, 

And  own  her  Bridegroom  and  her  Lord. 

0  heart,  that  glowed  with  love  and  died, 
Kindle  my  soul  with  fire  divine ; 

Lord,  in  the  heart  thou  'st  won,  abide, 
And  all  in  it  that  is  not  thine 

0  let  me  conquer  and  destroy, 

Strong  in  thy  love,  thou  fount  of  joy. 

Nay,  be  thou  conqueror,  Lord,  in  me ; 
So  shall  I  triumph  o'er  despair, 
O'er  death  itself  thy  victory  share, 

Thus  suffer,  live,  and  die  in  thee. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  21 

And  let  the  fire  within  me  move 

My  heart  to  serve  thy  members  here ; 

Let  me  their  need  and  trials  prove, 
That  I  may  know  my  love  sincere 

And  like  to  thine,  Lord,  pure  and  warm ; 

For  when  my  soul  hath  won  that  form 

Is  likest  to  thy  holy  mind, 

Then  I  shall  love  both  friends  and  foes, 
And  learn  to  grieve  o'er  others'  woes, 

Like  thee,  my  pattern,  true  and  kind. 

The  light  and  strength  of  faith,  oh  grant, 

That  I  may  bring  forth  holy  fruit, 
A  living  branch,  a  blooming  plant, 

Fast  clinging  to  my  vine — my  root. 
Thou  art  my  Saviour,  whom  I  trust, 
My  Rock, — I  build  not  on  the  dust, — 
The  ground  of  faith,  eternal,  sure. 

When  hours  of  doubt  o'ercloud  my  mind, 

Thy  ready  help  then  let  me  find, 
Thy  strength  my  sickening  spirit  cure. 

Nor  let  my  hope  e'er  fade  away, — 
Thy  cross  the  anchor  of  my  heart, — 

But  let  her  rise  o'er  fear,  dismay, 

Conquering  through  thee;  mine  All  thou  art. 


22  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  world  may  build  on  what  decays, 
0  Christ,  my  Sun  of  hope,  my  gaze 
Cares  not  o'er  lesser  lights  to  range ; 
To  thee,  in  love,  I  ever  cleave, 
For  well  I  know  thou  ne'er  wilt  leave 
My  soul,  thy  love  can  never  change. 

Wouldst  thou  that  1  should  tarry  here  ? 

I  live  because  thou  wiliest  it : 
Or  Death  should  suddenly  appear? 

I  shall  not  fear  him,  Lord,  one  whit, 
If  but  thy  life  still  in  me  live ; 
Thy  holy  death  my  strength  shall  give 
When  earthly  life  draws  near  its  end ; 

To  thee  I  give  away  my  will, 

In  life  and  death  remembering  still 
Thou  seekest  my  good,  0  truest  Friend. 

Sin-old,  died  1742. 


HKDKKPTIOX. 


I  am  redeemed ! — the  purchase  of  that  blood 
Which  on  the  cross  was  shed  : 

To  God  I'm  reconciled, — my  life  renewed, — 
My  terrors  all  are  fled. 


FROM     THE     GERM  AN.  23 

The  scheme  of  mercy — Wisdom  made  it, — 
The  costly  ransom — Love  has  paid  it. 
I  am  redeemed ! 

I  am  redeemed! — nor  can  the  thunder-roar 

Of  Sinai  cause  alarm ; 
For  me,  the  fearful  curse  my  Saviour  bore, 
My  soul  it  cannot  harm. 
Repented  sins,  would  ye  appal  me  ? 
To  joy  and  thanks  God's  mercies  call  me! 
I  am  redeemed ! 

I  am  redeemed ! — my  Saviour  broke  the  band 

That  chained  me  to  the  foe. 
The  keys  of  hell  were  in  his  friendly  hand, 
He  shut  its  portals  to. 
Now  walk  I  free,  secure  of  pardon ; 
From  sin  and  Satan's  weary  burden 
I  am  redeemed! 

I  am  redeemed  !  what  is  there  I  should  fear  ? 

Death's  gloom  will  beam  with  light ; — 
The  Lord  of  life  for  me  will  then  appear, 
And  lead  to  mansions  bright. 
And  though  in  dust  my  frame  shall  slumber, 
My  sleeping  dust  he  will  remember. 
I  am  redeemed  ! 


24  SACKED     LYRICS 

I  am  redeemed — from  guilt,  and  fear,  and  pain, 

To  joys  that  will  abide  ; 
And  Death  to  me  will  prove  eternal  gain, — 
With  Jesus  at  my  side. 
Then  shall  I  rise  to  share  his  favour 
With  saints  who  sing  his  praise  for  ever. 
I  am  redeemed  ! 

E.  Wagner,  died  1812. 


GHHIST'8  cosiuia. 

Wie  soil  ich  dich  emp/angen  ? 

How  shall  I  meet  thee?  how  my  heart 

Receive  her  Lord  aright  ? 
Desire  of  all  the  earth  thou  art ! 

My  hope,  my  sole  delight ! 
Kindle  the  lamp,  thou  Lord,  alone, 

Half  dying  in  my  breast, 
And  make  thy  gracious  pleasure  known 

How  I  may  greet  thee  best. 

Her  budding  boughs  and  fairest  palms 

Thy  Zion  strews  around ; 
And  songs  of  praise  and  sweetest  psalms 

From  my  glad  heart  shall  sound. 


FROM     TH  E     GERMAN.  25 

My  desert  soul  breaks  forth  in  flowers, 

Rejoicing  in  thy  fame ; 
And  puts  forth  all  her  sleeping  powers 

To  honour  Jesus'  name. 

In  heavy  bonds  I  languished  long, 

Thou  comest  to  set  me  free ; 
The  scorn  of  every  mocking  tongue — 

Thou  comest  to  honour  me. 
A  heavenly  crown  thou  dost  bestow, 

And  gifts  of  priceless  worth, 
That  vanish  not  as  here  below 

The  riches  of  the  earth. 

Nought,  nought,  dear  Lord !  had  power  to  move 

Thee  from  thy  rightful  place, 
Save  that  almighty  wondrous  Love 

Wherewith  thou  dost  embrace 
This  weary  world  and  all  her  woe, 

Her  load  of  grief  and  ill 
And  sorrow,  more  than  man  can  know ; 

Thy  love  is  deeper  still. 

Oh  write  this  promise  in  your  heart, 

Ye  sad  at  heart,  with  whom 
Sorrows  fall  thick,  and  joys  depart, 

And  darker  grows  your  gloom. 


26  SACRED     LYRICS 

Despair  not,  for  your  help  is  near, 

He  stand  eth  at  the  door 
Who  best  can  comfort  you  and  cheer, 

He  comes,  nor  stayeth  more. 

Vex  not  your  souls  with  care,  nor  grieve 

And  labour  longer  thus, 
As  though  your  arm  could  aught  achieve, 

And  bring  him  down  to  us ! 
He  comes,  he  comes  with  ready  will, 

By  pity  moved  alone, 
All  pain  to  soothe,  all  tears  to  still, 

To  him  they  all  are  known. 

Ye  shall  not  shrink  nor  turn  aside, 

Fearing  to  see  his  face 
So  deep  your  sins,  for  he  will  hide 

The  darkest  with  his  grace. 
He  comes,  he  comes,  to  save  from  sin, 

All  sinners  to  release, 
For  all  the  sons  of  God  to  win 

The  heritage  of  peace. 

Why  ask  ye  what  the  wicked  saith  ? 

Why  heed  his  craft  and  spite  ? 
The  Lord  destroys  him  with  a  breath, 

He  stands  not  in  his  sight. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  27 

Christ  comes,  he  comes,  as  King  to  reign ! 

Then  gather  ye  his  foes 
From  earth's  far  corners ;  yet  in  vain 

Would  ye  his  rule  oppose. 

He  comes  to  judge  the  earth,  and  ye 

Who  mocked  him,  feel  his  wrath ; 
But  they  who  loved  and  sought  him  see 

His  light  o'er  all  their  path. 
0  Sun  of  Righteousness  !  arise, 

And  guide  us  on  our  way, 
To  yon  fair  mansion  in  the  skies 

Of  joyous,  cloudless  day. 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1679. 


T0BHSH®  T®  THE  GEQSE. 

Jesu,  deine  tie/en  Wunden. 

Lord  !  thy  death  and  passion  give 
Strength  and  comfort  at  my  need, 

Every  hour  while  here  I  live 
On  thy  love  my  soul  shall  feed. 


28  SACRED     LYRICS 

Doth  some  evil  thought  up  start  ? 
Lo,  thy  cross  defends  my  heart, 
Shows  the  peril,  and  I  shrink 
Back  from  loitering  on  the  brink. 

Doth  my  carnal  nature  yearn 
After  wanton  joys  ?  again 
Quickly  to  thy  cross  I  turn, 

And  her  voice  is  heard  in  vain. 
Cometh  strong  temptation's  hour, 
When  my  foe  puts  forth  his  power  ? 
Sheltered  by  this  holy  shield, 
Soon  I  drive  him  from  the  field. 

Would  the  world  my  steps  entice 

To  yon  wide  and  level  road, 
Filled  with  mirth  and  pleasant  vice? 

Lord,  I  think  upon  the  load 
Thou  didst  once  for  me  endure, 
And  I  fly  all  thoughts  impure ; 
Thinking  on  thy  bitter  pains, 
Hushed  in  prayer  my  heart  remains. 

Yes,  thy  cross  hath  power  to  heal 
All  the  wounds  of  sin  and  strife, 

Lost  in  thee  my  heart  doth  feel 
Sudden  warmth  and  nobler  life. 


FROM    THE    GERMAN.  29 

In  ray  saddest,  darkest  grief 
Let  thy  sweetness  bring  relief, 
Thou  who  earnest  but  to  save, 
Thou  who  fearedst  not  the  grave  ! 

Lord,  in  thee  I  place  my  trust, 
Thou  art  my  defence  and  tower ; 

Death  thou  treadest  in  the  dust, 
O'er  my  soul  he  hath  no  power. 

That  I  may  have  part  in  thee 

Help  and  save  and  comfort  me, 

Give  me  of  thy  grace  and  might, 

Resurrection,  life,  and  light. 

Fount  of  good,  within  me  dwell, 
For  the  peace  thy  presence  sheds, 

Keeps  us  safe  in  conflict  fell, 

Charms  the  pain  from  dying  beds. 

Hide  me  safe  within  thine  arm, 

Where  no  foe  can  hurt  or  harm ; 

Whoso,  Lord,  in  thee  doth  rest, 

He  hath  conquered,  he  is  blest. 

Heermann,  died  1647. 


30  SACRED     LYRICS 


TKS  KQLY  SPIHIT. 

Thou  who  lovest  us  as  a  father, 
Faithful  God,  and  who  hast  said 
Thou  wilt  give  thy  Holy  Spirit 
To  all  those  who  seek  his  aid, 
Humbly  I  beseech  of  thee, 
Father,  send  him  now  to  me, 
That  he  may  renew  my  heart 
And  set  it  for  thy  shrine  apart. 

Without  him  fails  all  my  knowledge, 
Fruitfulness,  and  strength,  and  life, 
And  ni}r  heart  forgets  thy  presence, 
Drowned  in  earthly  toil  and  strife. 
If  he  do  not,  through  his  might, 
Set  both  heart  and  will  aright, 
That  I  to  thee  may  wholly  give 
Myself,  and  to  thine  honour  live. 

Fount  divine  of  holy  blessings, 
Glorious  Spirit  of  the  Lord, 
Thou  by  whom  the  human  spirit 
Is  to  peace  and  truth  restored ; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

After  thee  I  thirst  and  pine, 
I  to  thee  myself  resign, 
Make  me  holy  to  God's  praise, 
Wise  to  walk  in  heavenly  ways. 

Mould  me  wholly  in  thine  image, 
Blessed  Source  of  love  and  peace, 
Let  me  love  and  meekness  cherish, 
Let  me  count  my  gains  increase, 
When  e'er  I  with  faithful  hand 
Can  cement  a  peaceful  band, 
Or  can  lighten,  soothe,  or  share, 
Any  human  load  of  care. 

Teach  me,  Lord,  with  true  self-knowledge 

All  my  secret  faults  to  see, 

Humbly  to  my  God  to  tell  them, 

And  to  him  for  pardon  flee. 

Daily  make  my  earnest  striving 

To  forsake  them,  in  me  new, 

In  the  work  of  growing  holy 

Ever  thou  my  strength  renew. 

When  the  aspect  of  my  errors 
Casts  me  helpless  to  the  ground, 
When  within  my  trembling  bosom 
Many  a  darksome  doubt  is  found ; 


32  SACREDLY RICS 

When  the  tears  of  sorrow  fall, 
God  seems  not  to  hear  my  call. 
Comfort  then,  and  strength  impart 
To  my  fainting,  failing  heart. 

To  thy  work  of  grace  I  owe  it, 
If  there's  any  good  in  me, 
This  desire  thyself  hast  kindled, 
That  I  thirst  and  long  for  thee. 
Oh,  so  prosper  through  thy  word, 
This  thy  gracious  working,  Lord, 
That  in  the  happy  end  it  be 
All  gloriously  complete  in  me. 

David  Brt:h-v,  died  1782. 


GHB13T3  PESSSXGE. 

Hitter,  xcird  die  Nacht  der  Silnden  — 

0  watchman,  will  the  night  of  sin 

Be  never  past  ? 
0  watchman,  doth  the  day  begin, 
To  dawn  upon  thy  straining  sight  at  last  ? 

Will  it  dispel 
Ere  long  the  mists  of  sense  wherein  I  dwell  ? 


FROM     THE     GERM  AX.  33 

Now  all  the  earth  is  bright  and  glad 

With  the  fresh  morn  ; 
But  all  my  heart  is  cold  and  dark  and  sad ; 
San  of  the  soul,  let  me  behold  thy  dawn  ! 

Come  Jesus,  Lord  ! 
Oh  quickly  come,  according  to  thy  word ! 

Do  we  not  live  in  those  blest  days 

So  long  foretold, 
When  thou  shouldst  come  to  bring  us  light  and  grace  ? 
And  yet  I  sit  in  darkness  as  of  old, 

Pining  to  see 
Thy  glory;  but  thou  still  art  far  from  me. 

Long  since  thou  earnest  to  be  the  light 

Of  all  men  here  ; 
And  yet  in  me  is  nought  but  blackest  night. 
Wilt  thou  not  then  to  me,  thine  own,  appear  ? 

Shine  forth  and  bless 
My  soul  with  vision  of  thy  righteousness ! 

If  thus  in  darkness  ever  left, 

Can  I  fulfil 
The  works  of  light,  while  of  all  light  bereft  ? 
How  shall  1  learn  in  love  and  meekness  still 

To  follow  thee, 
And  all  the  sinful  works  of  darkness  flee  ? 

3 


34  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  light  of  reason  cannot  give 

Life  to  nry  soul ; 
Jesus  alone  can  make  me  truly  live, 
One  glance  of  his  can  make  my  spirit  whole. 

Arise,  and  shine 
On  this  poor  longing,  waiting  heart  of  mine ! 

Single  and  clear,  not  weak  or  blind, 

The  eye  must  be, 
To  which  thy  glory  shall  an  entrance  find ; 
For  if  thy  chosen  ones  should  gaze  on  thee, 

No  earthly  screen 
Between  their  souls  and  thee  must  intervene. 

Jesus,  do  thou  mine  eyes  unseal, 

And  let  them  grow 
Quick  to  discern  whate'er  thou  dost  reveal, 
So  shall  I  be  delivered  from  that  woe, 

Blindly  to  stray 
Through  hopeless  night,  while  all  around  is  day. 

Bichter,  died  1711, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  35 


YBB  GHMSTKM'S  HOPS. 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Dear  Saviour,  when  I  here  am  blest 
With  prospect  of  that  future  rest 

Thy  people  shall  inherit, 
And  there,  by  faith,  see  my  abode ; — 
How  light  my  cares  ! — and  all  their  load — 

How  easy  't  is  to  bear  it ! 
Then,  too,  the  fond  pursuits  of  earth 
Are  in  my  view  as  nothing  worth ; — 
Chased  by  the  dawn  of  endless  day, 
Its  glories  pass  like  dreams  away. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  sure  ground  of  faith, 
All  this  is  owing  to  thy  death. 

When  called,  the  change  of  worlds  to  make, 
My  soul  shall  from  its  fetters  break— 

Thou,  from  on  high,  be  near  me  ! 
Thy  rod  and  staff  be  then  my  stay, — 
Through  Death's  dark  valley  guide  my  way,- 

With  hopes  of  glory  cheer  me  ! 
The  splendors  of  the  world  of  light, 
Amid  the  all-surrounding  night, 


36  SACRED     LYRICS 

Shall  through  the  clouds  of  darkness  shine, 
Revealing  what  shall  soon  be  mine. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  with  cheerful  faith, 
I  then  shall  sweetly  sleep  in  death. 


But  should  my  heart,  reluctant,  shrink, 
The  cup  of  Death  still  fear  to  drink, 

My  sins  begin  to  number ; 
Then  come  the  thought — "  My  Lord  has  died, 
My  sins — atoning  blood  shall  hide, 

Nor  God  will  more  remember ! " 
The  hope,  for  sinners  thou  hast  wrought, 
Of  life, — with  nameless  sorrows  bought, 
Which,  God-forsaken,  thou  didst  meet, — 
'Tis  this  alone  makes  dying  sweet. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  my  only  faith, 
Do  not  forsake  me  at  my  death  ! 

Id  hope  my  weeping  eyes  I'll  close, 
My  flesh  in  earth  shall  find  repose, 

Where  my  Redeemer  rested  : 
And  he  that  died,  from  death  to  save, — 
His  voice  will  call  me  from  the  grave, — 

I  know  whom  I  have  trusted. 
He  lives  ! — and  foes  I  feared  below, — 
The  Grave  and  Death, — his  power  shall  know; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN  37 

He  lives  ! — and  I,  with  saints  above, 
Shall  know  the  wonders  of  his  love. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  my  spirit's  faith, 
For  life  prepare  me  by  my  death  ! 

My  confidence  shalt  thou  remain 
Till  thou  on  earth  appear  again — 

The  tombs  be  rent  asunder : 
Before  thy  throne  I  there  shall  be, 
The  Judge  of  all  the  nations  see, 

Shall  see  with  joy  and  wonder. 
Then  will  thy  grace  to  me  divide 
A  portion  always  to  abide, 
And  1  shall  share,  by  promise  shown, 
A  glory  lasting  as  thy  own. 

Thanks,  Lord,  to  thee !  with  shouts  I'll  sing, 
"  Where,  Grave,  thy  victory! — Death,  thy  sting!" 


Mein  Leben  ist  ein  Pilgrimstand. 
Trakslated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

My  life  is  but  a  pilgrim-stand  : 
A  traveller  to  my  father-land, 


38  SACRED     LYRICS 

I  seek  the  city  with  foundation, 
Whose  builder,  maker,  is  my  God  ; 
And  gaining  there  my  blest  abode, 

Would  ever  sing  his  great  salvation. 
My  life  is  here  a  pilgrim-stand, 
I'm  travelling  to  my  father-land. 

The  hours  of  life's  uncertain  day 
Haste  on  without  a  moment's  stay, 

And,  when  once  gone,  are  gone  for  ever ; 
They  bear  me  to  eternity; 
Lord  Jesus,  give  me  eyes  to  see! 

Whate'er  I  need  to  know  discover ! 
Nor  let  earth's  vain  delusions  hide 
Thee  from  my  sight,  my  only  guide ! 

No  journey  is  without  its  cares  ; 
Life's  journey  too  the  spirits  wears  ; 

It  is  not  all  a  path  of  roses, 

The  road  is  narrow,  foes  are  strong, 
And  oft  entice  me  to  the  wrong ; 

The  tangled  thorn  my  way  opposes ; 
O'er  trackless  wilds  I'm  forced  to  go, 
And,  groping,  toil  my  passage  through. 

At  times  to  me  the  Sun  is  bright, 
That  Sun  that  sheds  its  gracious  light, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  39 

Alone  to  bless  the  pure  in  spirit : 

Then  comes  the  roaring,  raging  storm, 

So  loud,  terrific  its  alarm, 
So  dark,  I  cannot  help  but  fear  it : 

Bnt  when  I  think  of  joys  above, 

M}'  terror  yields  its  place  to  love. 

Thou,  Jesus,  once  a  pilgrim  too, 

Wilt  prove  thyself  a  helper  true, 
Of  all  my  anxious  cries,  a  hearer. 

Thy  warning  word  in  mind  I'll  keep, 

And,  by  thy  guidance,  every  step 
Shall  bring  me  to  salvation  nearer. 

My  life  and  strength  are  waning  fast, 

Lord,  with  thy  consolations  haste  ! 

That  I  may  grow  in  holiness, 
With  stronger  faith  my  spirit  bless, 

And  thus  of  stumbling  make  me  heedful. 
I  daily  fall — help  me  to  rise, 
And,  by  each  fall,  yet  more  to  prize 

Thy  helping  hand,  so  often  needful : 
While  in  this  darkened  soul  of  mine, 
Thy  beams  of  mercy  brighter  shine. 

And  while  my  heart,  0  God  of  grace, 
Shall  faint  with  longings  for  thy  face, 


40  SACRED     LYRICS 

Prepare  my  soul  for  thy  fruition  ! 

Whene'er  to  earth  my  eyelids  close, 

May  I  with  thee  enjoy  repose 
Where  sin  and  grief  find  no  admission. 

Thy  weary  child  bid  thither  come, 

To  li\re  with  thee — a  blissful  home. 

My  lot  is  here  with  strangers  thrown, 
And  by  the  world  I'm  little  known ; 

But  there  friends  wait  with  joy  to  meet  me  : 
And  there,  with  those  I  love  the  most, 
I'll  join  in  song  the  angel-host,    . 

Whose  glories  with  their  welcome  greet  me. 
My  Saviour  come  !  no  more  delay ! 
And  thither  bear  my  soul  away ! 

F.  A.  Lampe,  died  1729. 


THE  CHIEF  GOOD. 

Du  hast  ja  dieses  meiner  Seele. 
Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Within  me,  Lord,  thou  hast  implanted 

The  strong  desire  of  lasting  good, 
A  blessing  never  to  be  granted 


'6 


While  flesh  continues  my  abode 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  41 

My  search  and  wishes  may  remain, 
But  earthly  hopes  are  all  in  vain. 

An  evil  heart  my  spirit  blinding, 

I  onward  grope  in  darkness  here ; — 
For  ever  seeking,  never  finding 

Relief  from  doubt  and  gloomy  fear. 

In  thee  alone  is  rest  from  care, 

0  teach  my  soul  to  seek  it  there  ! 

From  vanities  of  time  deliver, 

And  set  my  prisoned  spirit  free  ! 
Let  hopes,  that  soon  must  fail  for  ever, 

Make  room  for  what  shall  endless  be, 

That  I,  with  present  quiet  blest, 

May  reach  at  last  eternal  rest. 

Give  thy  dear  Son  to  stand  beside  me  ! 

None  else  can  needed  grace  supply ; 
That  by  his  counsel  he  may  guide  me, 

And  I  for  peace  on  him  rely, 

Then  his  redemption  will  be  mine, 

While  I  to  him  my  all  resign. 

'Tis  only  thus  I  hope  for  pleasure ! 

Should  earth  her  choicest  stores  reveal, 
Fame,  riches — these,  whate'er  their  measure, 

My  soul's  desire  could  never  fill. 


42  SACRED     LYRICS 

What  most  the  sons  of  earth  applaud 
Can  never  please  a  child  of  God. 

Could  I  secure  man's  approbation, 

And  win  his  envied  praises  now, 
At  death,  't  would  yield  no  consolation, 

In  life,  't  were  but  an  empty  show. 

Far  better  here  my  time  to  spend 

For  gaining  an  eternal  Friend. 

It  is  the  height  of  my  aspiring 

To  be  well-pleasing,  Lord,  to  thee, 
From  search  of  human  praise  retiring, 

Which,  found,  would  hide  thy  face  from  me; 

But,  if  thy  favour  I  secure, 

'Tis  glory  now  and  evermore. 

For  comfort — what  can  wealth  avail  me, 
When  I  am  called  the  world  to  leave  ? 

Had  I  all  earthly  good — 'twould  fail  me  ; 
It  flatters  only  to  deceive  : 
Then,  only  this  a  good  will  prove — 
To  have  a  portion  in  thy  love. 

Of  joy — should  all  on  earth  forsake  me, 
My  God  is  left, — the  best,  the  whole  : 

When  death,  Lord  Jesus,  shall  o'ertake  me, 
Sustain  in  peace  my  parting  soul, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  43 

While  I  shall  hear,  by  thee  addressed, — 
"  Come,  now,  and  be  for  ever  blest  /" 

I.  U.  Frommann,  1742. 


A  mm  OF  PEMSE  FOE  THE  GOSPEL. 

Nun  f rent  euch  lieben  Christen  g'mein. 

Dear  Christian  people,  all  rejoice, 
Each  soul  with  joy  upspringing ; 

Pour  forth  one  song  with  heart  and  voice, 
With  love  and  gladness  singing. 

Give  thanks  to  God,  our  Lord  above, 

Thanks  for  his  miracle  of  love  ! 

Dearly  he  hath  redeemed  us  ! 

The  devil's  captive,  bound  I  lay, 

Lay  in  death's  chains  forlorn ; 
My  sins  distressed  me  night  and  day, 

The  sin  within  me  born  : 
I  could  not  do  the  thing  I  would, 
In  all  my  life  was  nothing  good, 

Sin  had  possessed  me  wholly. 


44  SACRED     LYRICS 

My  good  works  could  no  comfort  shed, 
Worthless  must  they  be  rated ; 

My  free-will  to  all  good  was  dead, 
And  God's  just  judgments  hated. 

Me  of  all  hope  my  sins  bereft ; 

Nothing  but  death  to  me  was  left, 

And  death  was  hell's  dark  portal. 

Then  God  saw,  with  deep  pity  moved, 
My  grief  that  knew  no  measure  ; 

Pitying  he  saw,  and  freely  loved ; 
To  save  me  was  his  pleasure. 

The  Father's  heart  to  me  was  stirred, 

He  saved  me  with  no  sovereign  word; 
His  very  best  it  cost  him. 

He  spoke  to  his  beloved  Son, 

With  infinite  compassion  : 
"  Go  hence,  my  heart's  most  precious  crown, 

Be  to  the  lost  salvation. 
Death,  his  relentless  tyrant,  stay, 
And  bear  him  from  his  sins  away 

With  thee  to  live  for  ever  !" 

Willing  the  Son  took  that  behest: 

Born  of  a  maiden  mother, 
To  his  own  earth  he  came  a  guest 

And  made  himself  my  brother. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  45 

All  secretly  he  went  his  way, 
Veiled  in  my  mortal  flesh  he  lay, 

And  thus  the  foe  he  vanquished. 

He  said  to  me,  "  Cling  close  to  me, 

Thy  sorrows  now  are  ending ; 
Freely  I  give  myself  for  thee, 

Thy  life  with  mine  defending. 
For  I  am  thine  and  thou  art  mine, 
And  where  I  am  there  thou  shalt  shine, 
The  foe  shall  never  reach  us. 

"  True,  he  will  shed  my  heart's  life-blood. 

And  torture  me  to  death ; 
All  this  I  suffer  for  thy  good ; 

This  hold  with  firmest  faith. 
Death  dieth  through  my  life  divine ; 
I,  sinless,  bear  those  sins  of  thine ; 
And  so  shalt  thou  be  rescued. 

"  I  rise  again  to  heaven  from  hence, 

High  to  my  Father  soaring, 
Thy  Master  there  to  be,  and  thence 

My  Spirit  on  thee  pouring : 
In  every  grief  to  comfort  thee, 
And  teach  thee  more  and  more  of  me, 
Into  all  truth  still  guiding. 


46  SACRED     LYRICS 

"  What  I  have  done  and  taught  on  earth. 
Do  thou,  and  teach,  none  dreading ; 

That  so  God's  kingdom  may  go  forth, 
And  his  high  praise  be  spreading ; 

And  guard  thee  from  the  words  of  men, 

Lest  the  great  joy  be  lost  again  : 

This  my  last  charge  I  leave  thee." 

Luther,  died  1546. 


THE  LOVE  OF  GOB. 

Du  ewiger  Abgrund  der  seligen  Liebe. 

Thou  deep  abyss  of  blessed  Love, 
In  Jesus  Christ  to  us  unsealed, 

Fire,  which  no  finite  heart  could  prove 
Depths,  to  no  human  thought  revealed ; 

Thou  lovest  sinners — lovest  me, 

Thou  blessest  those  who  cursed  thee : 

0  great,  0  kind,  0  loving  One, 

What  worthless  creatures  shinest  thou  on  ! 

Thou  King  of  Light !  our  deepest  longing 
Is  shallow  to  thy  depths  of  grace ; 

Deep  are  the  woes  to  us  belonging, 
But  deeper  far  thy  joy  to  bless. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  47 

Teach  us  to  trust  the  Father's  love, 
Still  looking  to  the  Son  above ; 
Blest  Spirit !  through  our  spirits  pour 
True  prayers  and  praises  evermore. 

Jesus  !  thine  own  with  rich  grace  filling, 

Thy  mighty  blessing  on  us  shed, 
New  life  through  every  member  thrilling, 

Diffused  from  thee,  the  living  Head ; 
Show  us  how  light  thy  mild  yoke  is, 
And  how  from  self's  hard  yoke  it  frees. 
If  thou  wilt  teach  thy  household  so, 
The  works  the  Master's  hand  shall  show. 

Zinzendorf,  died  1760. 


SOB  WITH  ME. 

"  Gott  bei  mir  an  jedem  Orte." 

My  God  with  me  in  every  place ! 

Firmly  does  the  promise  stand, 
On  land  or  sea,  with  present  grace 

Still  to  aid  us  near  at  hand. 

If  you  ask,  "  Who  is  with  thee  ?" 

God  is  here — my  God  with  me  ! 


48  SACRED     LYRICS 

No  depth,  nor  prison,  nor  the  grave, 
Can  exclude  him  from  his  own : 

His  cheering  presence  still  I  have, 
If  in  crowds  or  all  alone. 
In  whatever  state  I  be, 
Everywhere  is  God  with  me  ! 

My  God  for  me  ! — I  dare  to  say, 

God  the  portion  of  my  soul ! 
Nor  need  I  tremble  in  dismay 

When  around  me  troubles  roll. 

If  you  ask,  "What  comforts  thee?" 

It  is  this — God  is  for  me ! 

Ah  !  faith  has  seen  him  cradled  lie, 

Here  on  earth  a  wTeeping  child ; 
Has  seen  him  for  my  vileness  die, 

Him,  the  sinless,  undefiled  ! 

And  thus  I  know  it  true  to  be, 

God,  my  Saviour,  is  for  me  ! 

In  life,  in  death,  with  God  so  near 

Every  battle  I  shall  win, 
Shall  boldly  press  through  dangers  here, 

Triumph  over  every  sin  ! 

"What!"  you  say,  "a  victor  be?" 

No,  not  I,  but  God  in  me  ! 

C  H.  Zeller,  born  1779. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  49 


MG1T  II  MEOISg. 

How  weary  and  how  worthless  this  life  at  times  appears  ! 
What  days  of  heavy  musings,  what  hours  of  bitter  tears! 
How  dark  the  storm-clouds  gather  along  the  wintry  skies, 
How  desolate  and  cheerless  the  path  before  us  lies ! 

And  yet  these  days  of  dreariness  are  sent  us  from  above, 
They  do  not  come  in  anger,  but  in  faithfulness  and  love ; 
They  come  to  teach  us  lessons  which  bright  ones  could 

not  yield, 
And  to  leave  us  blest  and  thankful  when  their  purpose  is 

fulfilled. 

They  come  to  draw  us  nearer  to  our  Father  and  our  Lord, 
More  earnestly  to  seek  his  face,  to  listen  to  his  word, 
And  to  feel,  if  now  around  us  a  desert  land  we  see, 
Without  the  star  of  promise,  what  would  its  darkness  be ! 

They  come  to  lay  us  lowly,  and  humbled  in  the  dust, 
All  self-deception  swept  away,  all  creature-hope  and  trust; 
Our  helplessness,  our  vileness,  our  guiltiness  to  own, 
And  flee  for  hope  and  refuge  to  Christ,  and  Christ  alone. 


50  SACRED     LYRICS 

They  come  to  break  the  fetters  which  here  detain  us  fast, 
And  force  our  long  reluctant  hearts  to  rise  to  heaven  at 

last, 
And  brighten  every  prospect  of  that  eternal  home, 
Where  grief  and  disappointment  and  fear  can  never  come. 

Then  turn  not  in  despondence,  poor  weary  heart,  away, 
But  meekly  journey  onwards,  through  the  dark  and  cloudy 

day, 
Even  now  the  bow  of  promise  is  above  thee  painted  bright, 
And  soon  a  joyful  morning  shall  dissipate  the  night. 

Thy  God  hath  not  forgot  thee,  and,  when  he  sees  it  best, 
Will  lead  thee  into  sunshine,  will  give  thee  bowers  of  rest; 
And  all  thy  pain  and  sorrow,  when  thy  pilgrimage  is  o'er, 
Shall  end  in  heavenly  blessedness,  and  joys  for  evermore ! 

Spitta,  born  1801. 


LET  ME  tim  THEE  I 

"  Sieh,  hier  bin  ich,  Ehren-Konifj." 

Behold  me  here,  in  grief  draw  near, 
Pleading  at  thy  throne,  0  King ; 

To  thee  each  tear,  each  trembling  fear, 
Jesus,  Son  of  man  !  I  bring. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  51 

Let  me  find  thee, — let  me  find  thee, 
Me,  a  vile  and  worthless  thing ! 

Look  down  in  love,  and  from  above, 

With  thy  Spirit  satisfy  ; 
Thou  hast  sought  me,  thou  hast  bought  me, 

And  thy  purchase,  Lord,  am  I. 
Let  me  find  thee, — let  me  find  thee, 

Here  on  earth,  and  then  on  high ! 

No  other  prayer  to  thee  I  bear, 

0  my  Lord,  but  only  this, 
To  share  thy  grace,  to  see  thy  face, 

And  to  know  thy  people's  bliss. 
Let  me  find  thee, — let  me  find  thee. 

Thee  to  find  is  blessedness ! 

Hear  the  broken,  scarcely  spoken 

Utterance  of  my  heart  to  thee; 
All  the  crying,  all  the  sighing, 

Of  thy  child  accepted  be. 
Let  me  find  thee, — let  me  find  thee, 

Thus  my  soul  longs  vehemently ! 

Worldly  pleasures,  earthly  treasures, 

Joys  and  honours  will  not  stay ; 
They  often  pain,  and,  oh !  how  vain, 

Looking  to  eternity  ! 


52  SACRED     LYRICS 

Let  me  find  thee, — let  me  find  thee, 
Find  thee,  0  my  God,  this  day  ! 

Joachim  Xeander,  died  1680. 


MY  FATHER  18  THE  MIGHTY  LORD. 

"  Mein  Vater  ist  dcr  grosse  Hcrr  der  Welf." 

My  Father  is  the  mighty  Lord,  whose  arm 

Spans  earth  and  sky,  and  shields  his  child  from  harm. 

Whose  still,  small  Yoice  of  love  is  yet  the  same 

As  once  from  Horeb's  fiery  mount  it  came ; 

Whose  glorious  works  the  angel-choirs  declare, 

He  hears  their  praise, — and  hearkens  to  my  prayer. 

My  King  is  God's  eternal,  holy  Son, 

And  he  anoints  me  as  a  chosen  one ; 

He  has  redeemed  me  with  his  precious  blood, 

And  for  unnumbered  debts  has  surety  stood. 

He  fought  the  foe,  and  drew  me  by  his  hand, 

Out  from  his  camp,  into  his  Father's  land. 

My  brotherhood's  a  circle,  stretching  wide 
Around  one  fount,  although  a  sea  diYide. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  53 

With  fathers,  who  behold  the  Lord  in  light, 
With  saints  unborn,  who  shall  adore  his  might, 
With  brothers,  who  the  race  of  faith  now  run, 
In  union  and  communion,  I  am  one  ! 

My  journey's  end  lies  upward  and  afar, 

It  glimmers  bright,  but  vaguely  as  a  star 

And  oft  as  faith  has  caught  some  glimpse  serene, 

So  often  clouds  and  mists  obscure  the  scene ; 

Yet,  in  this  longing  ends  each  vision  dim, 

To  see  my  Lord  ! — and  to  be  made  like  him  ! 

My  grave,  so  long  a  dark  and  drear  abyss, 
Is  now  scarce  noticed  on  the  way  to  bliss ; 
Once  at  the  gates  of  hell  it  yawning  lay, 
Now  stands  as  portal  to  the  land  of  day ; 
It  takes  me  to  the  Father's  home  so  blest, 
It  brings  me  to  the  feast,  a  welcome  guest. 

Langk. 


54  SACRED     LYRICS 


TBI  LIMB  OF  GOD, 

Ein  L'dmmlein  gelit  unci  tragi  d'e  Scfiuld. 

A  Lamb  goes  uncomplaining  forth, 

The  guilt  of  all  men  bearing  ; 
Laden  with  all  the  sin  of  earth, 

None  else  the  burden  sharing! 
Goes  patient  on,  grows  weak  and  faint, 
To  slaughter  led  without  complaint, 

That  spotless  life  to  offer ; 
Bears  shame,  and  stripes,  and  wounds,  and  death, 
Anguish  and  mockery,  and  saith, 

"  Willing  all  this  I  suffer." 

That  Lamb  is  Lord  of  death  and  life, 

God  over  all  for  ever ; 
The  Father's  Son,  whom  to  that  strife 

Love  doth  for  us  deliver ! 
0  mighty  Love  !  what  hast  thou  done  ! 
The  Father  offers  up  his  Son — 

The  Son  content  descendeth  ! 
0  Love,  0  Love  !  how  strong  art  thou ! 
In  shroud  and  grave  thou  la}rest  him  low 

Whose  word  the  mountain  rendeth  ! 


FROM    THE    GERMAN.  55 

Him  on  the  cross,  0  Love,  thou  layest, 

Fast  to  that  torture  nailing, 
Him  as  a  spotless  lamb  thou  slayest ; 

His  heart  and  flesh  are  failing — 
The  body  with  that  crimson  flood, 
That  precious  tide  of  noble  blood, 

The  heart  with  anguish  breaking ! 
0  Lamb  !  what  shall  I  render  thee 
For  all  thy  tender  love  to  me. 

Or  what  return  be  making  ? 


My  lifelong  days  would  I  still  thee 

Be  steadfastly  beholding ; 
Thee  ever,  as  thou  ever  me, 

With  loving  arms  enfolding. 
And  when  my  heart  grows  faint  and  chill, 
My  heart's  undying  Light,  oh  still 

Abide  unchanged  before  me  ! 
Myself  thy  heritage  I  sign, 
Ransomed  to  be  for  ever  thine, 

My  only  hope  and  gloiy. 

I  of  thy  majesty  and  grace 

Would  night  and  day  be  singing; 

A  sacrifice  of  joy  and  praise 
Myself  to  thee  still  bringing. 


56  SACRED     LYRICS 

My  stream  of  life  shall  flow  to  thee, 
Its  steadfast  current  ceaselessly 

In  praise  to  thee  outpouring ; 
And  all  the  good  thou  dost  to  me 
I'll  treasure  in  my  memor}r, 

Deep  in  my  heart's  depths  storing! 

Gate  of  nvy  heart,  fly  open  wide, 

Shrine  of  my  heart,  spread  forth  : 
The  treasure  will  in  thee  abide, 

Greater  than  heaven  and  earth. 
Away  with  all  this  poor  world's  treasures, 
And  all  this  vain  world's  tasteless  pleasures, 

My  treasure  is  in  heaven  : 
For  I  have  found  true  riches  now ; 
My  treasure,  Christ,  my  Lord  art  thou, 

Thy  blood  so  freely  given ! 

This  treasure  ever  I  emplo}^ 

This  ever  aid  shall  yield  me ; 
In  sorrow  it  shall  be  my  joy, 

In  conflict  it  shall  shield  me. 
In  joy,  the  music  of  my  feast ; 
And  when  all  else  has  lost  its  zest, 

This  manna  still  shall  feed  me ; 
In  thirst  my  drink,  in  want  my  food, 
My  company  in  solitude, 

To  comfort  and  to  lead  me  ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  57 

Death's  poison  cannot  harm  me  now, 

Thy  blood  new  life  bestowing ; 
My  shadow  from  the  heat  art  thou, 

When  the  noontide  is  glowing. 
And  when  by  inward  grief  opprest, 
My  aching  heart  in  thee  shall  rest, 

As  tired  head  on  the  pillow. 
Should  storms  of  persecution  toss, 
Firm  anchored  by  thy  saving  cross, 

My  bark  rests  on  the  billow  ! 

And  when  at  last  thou  leadest  me 

Into  thy  joy  and  light, 
Thy  blood  shall  clothe  me  royally, 

Making  my  garments  white ; 
Shall  place  upon  my  head  the  crown, 
Shall  lead  me  to  the  Father's  throne, 

And  raiment  fit  provide  me ; 
Till  I,  by  him  to  thee  betrothed, 
By  thee  in  bridal  costume  clothed, 

Stand  as  a  bride  beside  thee ! 

Gerhardt,  died  1676. 


58  SACREDLY HICS 


Til  PAYHBR-LAHD. 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Know  ye  the  land — on  earth  'twere  vainly  sough t,- 
To  which  the  heart  in  sorrows  turns  its  thought? 
Where  no  complaint  is  heard. — tears  never  flow, — 
The  good  are  blest, — the  weak  with  vigour  glow  ? 
Know  ye  it  well  ? 

For  this,  for  this, 
All  earthly  wish  or  care,  my  friends,  dismiss  ! 

Know  ye  the  way — the  rugged  path  of  thorns  ? 
His  lagging  progress  there  the  traveller  mourns ; 
He  faints,  he  sinks, — from  dust  he  cries  to  God — 
"  Relieve  me,  Father,  from  the  weary  road  !" 
Know  ye  it  well  ? 

It  guides,  it  guides, 
To  that  dear  land,  where  all  we  hope  abides. 

Know  ye  that  Friend  ? — In  him  a  man  you  see  ; — 
Yet  more  than  man,  more  than  all  men  is  he  : 
Himself  before  us  trod  the  path  of  thorns, 
To  pilgrims  now  his  heart  with  pity  turns. 
Know  ye  him  well  ? 

His  hand,  his  hand 
Will  safely  bring  us  to  that  Father-land. 

Claus  Harms,  born  177S. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  59 


TEE  BEMEYKft'S  CQXFUCY. 

Wo  soil  ich  Tiin  ? 
Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

For  help,  Oh  whither  shall  I  flee? 

Who  now  to  peace  will  guide  me  ? 
To  none,  dear  Saviour,  but  to  thee, 

Can  I  with  hope  confide  me. 
'Tis  thine  to  give  the  weary  rest, 
The  mourning  soul  in  thee  is  blest, — 

Help,  Jesus,  the  afflicted  ! 

My  sin,  0  Lord,  is  now  my  grief, 

Against  my  will  it  rages  : — 
Thy  grace  alone  can  bring  relief, 

While  sin  its  warfare  wages. 
All  that  I  need  is  known  to  thee, 
And  now  a  part  myself  can  see, — 

Help,  Jesus,  the  sin-burdened ! 

Good  Shepherd,  bearest  thou  the  weak? 

Sustain  me  in  my  weakness  ! 
Thou  Great  Physician  of  the  sick, 

Heal  thou  my  moral  sickness  ! 


60  SACRED     LYRICS 

A  prey  to  Death  I  helpless  fall, — 
For  health  and  strength  to  thee  I  call, 
Save,  Jesus,  or  I  perish  ! 

To  those  who  trust  thee — "  Nothing  fear  ! 

I  am  the  Life  ! " — thou  criest. 
Seeks  not  my  soul,  with  strong  desire, 

The  life  which  thou  suppliest  ? 
Through  all  my  sorrows  thou  canst  lead, 
In  death  provide  for  every  need — 

Help,  Jesus,  the  confiding. 

I  would  do  good,  but  still  I  fail, — 

Must  I  thus  always  waver  ? 
What  grief  it  gives  thou  knowest  well ; 

Who  shall  my  soul  deliver, 
And  set  the  slave  for  ever  free 
From  sin  and  death  to  live  with  thee  ? — 

I  thank  thee,  God,  through  Jesus  ! 

Joachim  Xeaxder,  died  16S0. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  CI 


SUFFERING  WITS.  GEMST. 

Couldst  thou  inherit  life  with  Christ  on  high  ? 

Then  count  the  cost,  and  know 

That  here  on  earth  below 
Thou  needs  must  suffer  with  thy  Lord  and  die. 
We  reach  that  gain  to  which  all  else  is  loss, 
But  through  the  cross. 

Oh  think  what  sorrows  Christ  himself  has  known  ! 

The  scorn,  and  anguish  sore, 

The  bitter  death  he  bore, 
Ere  he  ascended  to  his  heavenly  throne ; 
And  deemest  thou,  thou  canst  with  right  complain, 
Whate'er  thy  pain  ? 

Not  e'en  the  sharpest  sorrows  we  can  feel, 

Nor  keenest  pangs,  we  dare 

With  that  great  bliss  compare 
When  God  his  glory  shall  in  us  reveal, 
That  shall  endure  when  our  brief  woes  are  o'er 
For  evermore ! 

Simon  Dach,  died  1659. 


62  SACRED     LYRIC 


TEE  SYMPATHY  OF  JI8US. 

1st  Gott/iir  mich  ? 

If  God  be  on  my  side, 

Then  let  who  will  oppose, 
For  oft  ere  now  to  him  I  cried, 

And  he  hath  quelled  my  foes. 

If  Jesus  be  my  Friend, 

If  God  doth  love  me  well, 
What  matters  all  my  foes  intend, 

Though  strong  they  be  and  fell. 

Here  I  can  firmly  rest, 

I  dare  to  boast  of  this, 
That  God  the  Highest  and  the  Best, 

My  Friend  and  Father  is. 

From  dangerous  snares  he  saves; 

Where'er  he  bids  me  go, 
He  checks  the  storms  and  calms  the  waves, 

Nor  lets  aught  work  me  woe. 

I  rest  upon  the  ground 
Of  Jesus  and  his  blood, 
For  'tis  through  him  that  I  have  found 
The  true  Eternal  good. 


FROM    THE    GERMAN.  63 

Nought  have  I  of  my  own, 
Nought  in  the  life  I  lead, 
What  Christ  hath  given  me,  that  alone 
Is  worth  all  love  indeed. 

His  Spirit  in  me  dwells, 

O'er  all  my  mind  he  reigns, 
All  care  and  sadness  he  dispels, 

And  soothes  away  all  pains. 

He  prospers  day  by  day 

His  work  within  my  heart, 
Till  I  have  strength  and  faith  to  say, 

Thou  God  my  Father  art ! 

When  weakness  on  me  lies 

And  tempts  me  to  despair, 
He  speaketh  words  and  utters  sighs 

Of  more  than  mortal  prayer; 

But  what  no  tongue  can  tell. 

Thou  God  canst  hear  and  see, 
Who  readest  in  the  heart  full  well 

If  aught  there  pleaseth  thee. 

He  whispers  in  my  breast 
Sweet  words  of  holy  cheer, 
How  he  who  seeks  in  God  his  rest 
Shall  ever  find  him  near ; 


04  SACRED     LYRICS 

How  God  hath  built  above 
A  city  fair  and  new, 
Where  eye  and  heart  shall  see  and  prove 
What  faith  has  counted  true. 

There  is  prepared  on  high 

My  heritage,  my  lot; 
Though  here  on  earth  I  Ml  and  die, 

My  heaven  shall  fail  me  not. 

Though  here  my  days  are  dark, 

And  oft  my  tears  must  rain, 
Whene'er  my  Saviour's  light  I  mark, 

All  things  grow  bright  again. 

Who  joins  him  to  that  Lord 
Whom  Satan  flies  and  hates, 

Shall  find  himself  despised,  abhorred, 
For  him  the  burden  waits 
Of  mockery  and  shame, 
Heaped  on  his  guiltless  head ; 

And  crosses,  trials,  cruel  blame, 
Shall  be  his  daily  bread. 

I  knew  it  long  ere  now, 
Yet  am  I  not  afraid ; 
The  God  to  whom  I  pledge  my  vow, 
Will  surely  send  his  aid. 


FROM      THE     GERMAN.  G5 

At  cost  of  all  I  have, 
At  post  of  life  and  limb, 
I  cling  to  God  who  yet  shall  save, 
I  will  not  turn  from  him. 

The  world  may  fail  and  flee, 

Thou  standest  fast  for  ever, 
Not  fire,  or  sword,  or  plague,  from  thee 

My  trusting  soul  shall  sever. 

No  hunger,  and  no  thirst, 

No  poverty  or  pain, 
Let  mighty  princes  do  their  worst, 

Shall  fright  me  back  again. 

No  joys  that  angels  know, 

No  throne  or  wide-spread  fame, 
No  love  or  loss,  no  fear  or  woe. 

No  grief  of  heart  or  shame — 

Man  cannot  aught  conceive 

Of  pleasure  or  of  harm, 
That  e'er  could  tempt  my  soul  to  leave 

Her  refuge  in  thiue  arm. 

My  heart  for  gladness  springs, 
It  cannot  more  be  sad, 
For  every  joy  it  laughs  and  sings, 
Sees  nought  but  sunshine  glad. 


66  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  sun  that  glads  mine  eyes 
Is  Christ  the  Lord  I  love, 
I  sing  for  joy  of  that  which  lies 
Stored  up  for  us  above. 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  l(57fi. 


m  GOD  18  OCR  SYKKMTH 

Wcr  sick  anf  seiner  Schwachheit  stiitzt 

Who  seeks  in  weakness  an  excuse, 

His  sins  will  vanquish  never ; 
Unless  he  heart  and  mind  renews. 
He  is  deceived  for  ever. 

The  straight  and  narrow  way, 
That  shines  to  perfect  da}', 
He  hath  not  found,  hath  never  trod  ; 
Little  he  knows,  I  ween, 
What  prayer  and  conflict  mean 
To  one  who  hath  the  light  of  God. 

In  what  the  world  calls  weakness  lurks 

The  very  strength  of  evil, 
Full  mightily  it  helps  the  works 

Of  our  great  foe  the  devil. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  67 

Awake,  my  soul,  awake, 

Quickly  thy  refuge  take 
With  him,  the  Almighty,  who  can  save : 

One  look  from  Christ  thy  Lord 

Can  sever  every  cord 
That  binds  thee  now,  a  wretched  slave. 

Know,  the  first  step  in  Christian  lore 

Is  to  depart  from  sin  ; 
True  faith  will  leave  the  world  no  more 
A  place  thy  heart  within. 

Thy  Saviour's  Spirit  first 

The  heavy  bonds  must  burst, 
Wherein  Death  bound  thee  in  thy  need ; 

Then  the  freed  spirit  knows 

What  strength  he  gives  to  those 
Who  with  their  Lord  are  risen  indeed. 

And  what  thy  Spirit,  Lord,  began 

Help  thou  with  inner  might ! 
Earth  has  no  better  gift  for  man 
Than  strength  and  love  of  right, 

Oh  make  thy  followers  just 

Who  look  to  thee  in  trust, 
Thy  strength  and  justice  let  us  know ; 

Our  souls  through  thee  would  wear 

The  power  of  grace,  most  fair 
Of  all  the  jewels  faith  can  show. 


68  SACRED     LYRICS 

Strong  Son  of  God.  break  down  thy  foes, 

So  shall  we  conquer  ours ; 
Strong  in  the  might  from  thee  that  flows, 
We  mourn  not  lack  of  powers. 

E'er  since  that  from  above. 

The  witness  of  thy  lore 
Thy  Spirit  came,  and  doth  abide 

With  us,  dispelling  fear 

And  falsehood,  that  we  here 
May  fight  and  conquer  on  thy  side. 

Give  strength,  whene'er  our  strength  must  fail : 

Give  strength  the  flesh  to  curb  ; 
Give  strength  when  craft  and  sin  prevail 
To  weaken  and  disturb. 

The  world  doth  lay  her  snares 

To  catch  us  unawares  ; 
Give  strength  to  sweep  them  all  away : 

So  in  our  utmost  need, 

And  when  death  comes  indeed, 
Thy  strength  shall  be  our  perfect  stay. 

Mabpkbobr,  died  174*). 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  69 


WIEP  SOT. 

"  Weitie  nickt!" 

Weep  not, — Jesus  lives  on  high, 

Oh,  sad  and  wearied  one  ! 
If  thou  with  the  burden  sigh 
Of  grief  thou  canst  not  shun, 
Trust  him  still, 
Soon  there  will 
Roses  in  the  thicket  stand, 
Goshen  smile  in  Egypt's  land. 

Weep  not, — Jesus  thinks  of  thee 

When  all  besides  forget, 
And  on  thee  so  lovingly 
His  faithfulness  has  set, 

That  though  all 
Ruined  fall, 
Everything  on  earth  be  shaken, 
Thou  wilt  never  be  forsaken. 

Weep  not, — Jesus  heareth  thee, 
Hears  thy  moanings  broken, 


70  SACRED     LYRICS 

Hears  when  thou  right  wearily 
All  thy  grief  hast  spoken. 

Raise  thy  cry, 
He  is  nigh, 
And  when  waves  roll  full  in  view, 
He  shall  fix  their  "  Hitherto." 

Weep  not — Jesus  loveth  thee, 

Though  all  around  may  scorn, 
And  though  poisoned  arrows  be 
Upon  thy  buckler  borne, 

With  his  love. 
Nought  can  move  ; 
All  ma}r  fail, — }ret  only  wait, 
He  shall  make  the  crooked  straight 

Weep  not, — Jesus  cares  for  thee, 

Then  what  of  good  can  fail  ? 
Why  shouldst  thou  thus  gloomily 
At  thought  of  trouble  quail  ? 
He  will  bear 
All  thy  care ; 
And  if  he  the  burden  take, 
He  will  all  things  perfect  make. 

Weep  not, — Jesus  comforts  thee, 
He  vet  shall  come  and  save, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

And  each  sorrow  thou  shalt  see 
Lie  buried  in  thy  grave. 

Sin  shall  die, 
Grief  shall  fly, 
Thou  hast  wept  thy  latest  tears 
When  the  Lord  of  life  appears  ! 


B.  Schmolke,  died  173i 


Wacliet  auf,  ihr  faxilen  Christen. 

Arise  !  ye  lingering  saints,  arise  ! 

Remember  that  the  night  of  grace, 
When  guilty  slumbers  sealed  your  eyes, 

Awakened  you  to  run  the  race ; 
And  let  not  darkness  round  you  fall, 
But  hearken  to  the  Saviour's  call. 

Arise ! 

Arise !  because  the  night  of  sin 
Must  flee  before  the  light  of  day ; 

God's  glorious  Gospel  shining  in. 

Must  chase  the  midnight  gloom  away 


72  SACRED     LYRICS 

You  cannot  true  disciples  be 
If  you  still  walk  in  vanity. 

Arise ! 

Arise  !  although  the  flesh  be  weak, 
The  spirit  willing  is  and  true, 

And  servants  of  the  Master  seek 
To  follow  where  it  guideth  to. 

Beloved  !  oh,  be  wise  indeed, 

And  let  the  Spirit  ever  lead. 

Arise ! 

Arise  !  because  our  serpent-foe 

Unwearied  strives  by  day  and  night, 

Remembers  time  is  short  below, 

And  wrestles  on  with  hellish  might : 

Then  boldly  grasp  both  sword  and  shield, 

Who  slumbers  on  the  battle  field  ? 

Arise ! 

Arise  !  before  that  hour  unknown, 

The  hour  of  death  that  comes  ere  long, 

And  comes  not  to  the  weak  alone, 
But  to  the  mighty  and  the  strong. 

Beloved  !  oft  in  spirit  dwell 

Upon  the  hour  that  none  can  tell. 

Arise  ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  73 

Arise  !  that  you  prepared  may  stand, 

Before  the  coming  of  the  Lord  ; 
The  day  of  wrath  draws  nigh  at  hand, 

According  to  the  eternal  word. 
Ah  !  think,  perhaps  this  day  shall  see 
The  dawning  of  eternity ! 

Arise  ! 

Arise !  it  is  the  Master's  will, 

No  more  his  heavenly  voice  despise, 

Why  linger  with  the  dying  still  ? 
He  calls — Arouse  you,  and  arise  ! 

No  longer  slight  the  Saviour's  call, 

It  sounds  to  you,  to  me,  to  all. 

Arise ! 

Ludwig  A.  Gotter,  died  1735. 


THY  WILL  BE  BOXE. 

"  Me  in  Jesu,  icie  du  icilht." 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

Oh,  may  thy  will  be  mine  ! 
Into  thy  hand  of  love 

I  would  my  all  resign. 


74  BACKED    LYRICS 

Through  sorrow,  or  through  joy, 
Conduct  me  as  thine  own. 

And  help  me  still  to  say, 
My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ! 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

If  needy  here  and  poor, 
Give  me  thy  people's  bread, 

Their  portion  rich  and  sure. 
The  manna  of  thy  word 

Let  my  soul  feed  upon  ; 
And  if  all  else  should  fail — 

My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ! 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

If  among  thorns  I  go, 
Still  sometimes  here  and  there 

Let  a  few  roses  blow. 
But  thou  on  earth  along 

The  thorny  path  hast  gone, 
Then  lead  me  after  thee, — 

My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ! 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

Though  seen  through  many  a  tear, 
Let  not  my  star  of  hope 

Grow  dim  or  disappear. 


FROM     THE    GERMAN.  75 

Since  thou  on  earth  hast  wept 

And  sorrowed  oft  alone, 
If  I  must  weep  with  thee, 

My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ! 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

If  loved  ones  must  depart, 
Suffer  not  sorrow's  flood 

To  overwhelm  my  heart : 
For  they  are  blest  with  thee, 

Their  race  and  conflict  won, 
Let  me  but  follow  them — 

My  Lord,  thy  wTill  be  done  ! 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

When  death  itself  draws  nigh, 
To  thy  dear  wounded  side 

I  would  for  refuge  fly. 
Leaning  on  thee,  to  go 

Where  thou  before  hast  £one ; 
The  rest  as  thou  shalt  please — 

My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  ! 

My  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt ! 

All  shall  be  well  for  me, 
Each  changing  future  scene, 

I  dadlv  trust  with  thee. 


76  SACRED     LYRICS 

Straight  to  my  home  above 
I  travel  calmly  on, 

And  sing,  in  life  or  death, 
My  Lord,  thy  will  be  done ! 


HUE  IS  MY  HKABf. 

Here  is  my  heart ! — My  God,  I  give  it  thee  ; 

I  heard  thee  call  and  say, 
"Not  to  the  world,  my  child,  but  unto  me;" 

I  heard,  and  will  obey. 
Here  is  love's  offering  to  my  King, 
Which,  a  glad  sacrifice,  I  bring — 
Here  is  my  heart. 

Here  is  my  heart ! — surely  the  gift,  though  poor, 

My  God  will  not  despise ; 
Vainly  and  long  I  sought  to  make  it  pure, 

To  meet  thy  searching  eyes ; 
Corrupted  first  in  Adam's  fall, 
The  stains  of  sin  pollute  it  all — 
My  guilty  heart! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  77 

Here  is  my  heart ! — my  heart  so  hard  before, 

Now  by  thy  grace  made  meet ; 
Yet  bruised  and  wearied,  it  can  only  pour 

Its  anguish  at  thy  feet ; 
It  groans  beneath  the  weight  of  sin, 
It  sighs  salvation's  joy  to  win — 

My  mourning  heart ! 

Here  is  my  heart ! — in  Christ  its  longings  end, 

Near  to  his  cross  it  draws ; 
It  says,  "  Thou  art  my  portion,  0  my  Friend, 

Thy  blood  my  ransom  was." 
And  in  the  Saviour  it  has  found 
What  blessedness  and  peace  abound — 
My  trusting  heart ! 

Here  is  my  heart ! — ah  !  Holy  Spirit,  come, 

Its  nature  to  renew, 
And  consecrate  it  wholly  as  thy  home, 

A  temple  fair  and  true. 
Teach  it  to  love  and  serve  thee  more, 
To  fear  thee,  trust  thee,  and  adore — 
My  cleansed  heart ! 

Here  is  my  heart ! — it  trembles  to  draw  near 

The  glor}'  of  thy  throne ; 
Give  it  the  shining  robe  thy  servants  wear, 

Of  righteousness  thine  own  ; 


78 


SACRED     LYRICS 


Its  pride  and  folly  chase  away, 
And  all  its  vanity,  I  pray — 

My  humbled  heart ! 

Here  is  m}7  heart ! — teach  it,  0  Lord,  to  cling 

In  gladness  unto  thee; 
And  in  the  day  of  sorrow  still  to  sing, 

u  Welcome  my  God's  decree." 
Believing,  all  its  journeys  through, 
That  thou  art  wise,  and  just,  and  true — 
My  waiting  heart ! 

Here  is  my  heart ! — 0  Friend  of  friends,  be  near, 

To  make  each  tempter  fly, 
And  when  my  latest  foe  I  wait  with  fear, 

Give  me  the  victory  ! 
Gladly  on  thy  love  reposing, 
Let  me  say,  when  life  is  closing — 
Here  is  my  heart  ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  79 


TEE  AKGKIt  OF  PATJBHCS. 

Es  zieht  ein  stiller  Engel  dttrch  dieses  Erdenland. 

A  gentle  Angel  walketh  throughout  a  world  of  woe, 
With  messages  of  mercy  to  mourning  hearts  below ; 
His  peaceful  smile  invites  them  to  love  and  to  confide, 
Oh !  follow  in  his  footsteps,  keep  closely  by  his  side  ! 

So  gently  will  he  lead  thee  through  all  the  cloudy  day, 
And  whisper  of  glad  tidings  to  cheer  thy  pilgrim-way; 
His  courage  never  failing,  when  thine  is  almost  gone, 
He  takes  thy  heavy  burden,  and  helps  to  bear  it  on. 

To  soft  and  tearful  sadness  he  changes  dumb  despair, 
And  soothes  to  deep  submission  the  storm  of  grief  and  care ; 
Where  midnight  shades  are  brooding,  he  pours  the  light 

of  noon, 
And  every  grievous  wound  he  heals,  most  surely,  if  not 

soon. 

He  will  not  blame  thy  sorrows,  while  he  brings  the  henl- 

ing  balm ; 
He  does  not  chide  thy  longings,  while  he  soothes  them 

into  calm ; 


80  SACRED     LYRICS 

And  when  thy  heart  is  murmuring,  and  wildly  asking, 

Why  ? 
He  smiling  beckons  forward,  points  upward  to  the  sk}r. 

He  will  not  always  answer  thy  questions  and  thy  fear, 
His  watchword  is,  "Be  patient,  the  journey's  end  is  near !" 
And  ever  through  the  toilsome  way,  he  tells  of  joys  to 

come, 
And  points  the  pilgrim  to  his  rest,  the  wanderer  to  his 

home. 


[I  CRWUPISB. 

Fliesst,  ihr  Augen,Jliesst  von  Thr'dnen. 

Flow,  my  tears,  flow  still  faster, 

Thus  my  guilt  and  sin  bemoan  ; 
Mourn,  my  heart,  in  deeper  anguish, 

Over  sorrows  not  thine  own  ! 

See,  a  spotless  Lamb  draws  nigh 

To  Jerusalem  to  die  ; 

For  thy  sins,  the  Sinless  One  ; 

Think  !  ah,  think  !  what  thou  hast  done  ! 


FROM     THE    GERMAN.  81 

See  him  stand  while  cruel  fetters 

Bind  the  hands  that  framed  the  world, 
While  around  him  bitter  mocking, 

Laughter,  and  contempt  are  hurled ; 

Heathen  rage  and  Jewish  scorn 

Meekly  for  our  sins  are  borne. 

Sin  has  brought  him  from  above, 

Who  can  fathom  such  a  love  ? 


Soon  the  heavy  doom  is  spoken, 
Even  Pilate's  pleading  ceased ; 

Jesus  to  the  cross  is  chosen, 
And  Barabbas  is  released ! 
Ah  !  there  is  no  loving  word, 
Not  one  voice  of  pity  heard ! 
But  the  loud  and  frenzied  cry, 
"  Crucify  him — crucify ! " 

Can  we  view  the  Saviour  given 
To  the  smiters'  hands  for  us  ? 

Can  we  all  unmoved,  unhumbled, 
See  him  mocked  and  slighted  thus- 
Yiew  the  thorny  chaplet  made 
For  his  meek  and  silent  head, 
Hear  the  loud  and  angry  din, 
And  not  tremble  for  our  sin  ? 

G 


82  SACRED     LYRICS 

Follow  from  the  hall  of  judgment 
This  sad  Saviour  on  his  way ; 

But,  in  spirit,  as  ye  journey, 
Often  pause  and  humbly  pray ; 
Pray  the  Father  to  behold 
By  the  Son  thy  ransom  told, 
And  a  substitute  for  thee 
In  his  Well-Beloved  see  ! 


Must  I,  Jesus,  thus  behold  thee 
In  thy  toil  and  sorrow  here  ? 

Can  I  nothing  better  yield  thee 
Than  my  unavailing  tear? 
Lamb  of  God  !  I  weep  for  thee  ! 
Weep,  thy  cruel  cross  to  see — 
Weep,  for  death  that  death  destroys  ! 
Weep,  for  grief  that  brings  me  joys  ! 

Poor  is  all  that  I  can  offer, 
Soul  and  body  while  I  live ; 

Take  it,  0  my  Saviour,  take  it, 
I  have  nothing  more  to  give. 
Come  and  in  this  heart  remain. 
Let  each  enemy  be  slain, 
Let  me  live  and  die  with  thee; 
To  thy  kingdom  welcome  me  ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  83 

Loud  and  louder  saints  are  singing, 

Glory  !  glory  !  Christ,  to  thee  ! 
Over  death  and  hell  for  ever 

Thou  hast  triumphed  gloriously. 

I  am  thine,  and  thou  art  mine  : 

Oh  !  to  see  thy  brightness  shine  ! 

Lord  !  thy  day  of  grief  is  o'er, 

Come  !  in  glory — come  once  more  ! 

Latjrentius,  died  1722. 


LQQKXSG  UHTO  JISUS. 

0  silent  Lamb !  for  me  thou  hast  endured  \ 

Jesus,  thou  holy,  perfect,  sinless  One  ! 
Thy  grief  and  bitter  anguish  have  secured 
My  soul's  salvation,  when  this  race  is  run  ; 
Then  let  me  to  thine  image  true, 
Thus  meekly  suffer  with  the  crown  in  view. 

The  narrow  way  that  leads  us  up  to  heaven, 
Must  here  through  strife  and  tribulation  lie : 

Then  in  the  thorny  path  may  strength  be  given, 
This  sinful  flesh,  0  Lord,  to  crucify. 


84  SACRED     LYRICS 

0  take  this  feebleness  away, 

And  make  me  strong  to  meet  each  future  day. 

Here  daily  crosses  come  to  try  our  weakness, 

Here  eveiy  member  must  some  burden  bear ; 
But  0  my  Saviour,  if  I  take  with  meekness 
The  cross  appointed  by  thy  love  and  care, 
Too  great,  too  long,  it  will  not  be, 
For  it  is  weighed  and  measured  out  by  thee. 

If  thus  we  journey  patiently  through  sadness, 
Each  grief  will  make  us  dearer  to  our  Lord ; 
But  if  we  flee  the  cross  in  search  of  gladness, 
We  cannot  shun  his  dread,  avenging  sword. 
0  blessed  they  who  hear  the  call, 
Who  take  the  cross,  and  follow,  bearing  all  i 

So  help  me,  Lord,  thy  holy  will  to  suffer. 

And  still  a  learner  at  thy  feet  to  be ; 
Give  faith  and  patience  when  the  way  is  rougher, 
And  at  the  end  a  joyful  victory. 

Thus  grief  itself  is  changed  to  song, 
Ofttimes  on  earth,  but  evermore  ere  long. 

Bogatzky,  died  1774. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  85 


COMMIT  TIY  WAY  TO  SOB. 

Beftehl  du  detne  Wege. 
Translated  bv  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Dunn. 

Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord, 

Thy  heavy  burden  roll 
On  him  whose  all-creating  word 

Doth  heaven  and  earth  control. 
He  to  the  air,  the  cloud,  the  wind, 

Their  viewless  path  doth  show; 
And  he  a  way  secure  will  find 

In  which  thy  feet  may  go. 

Upon  the  Lord  thou  must  rely, 

If  thou  wouldst  win  success; 
Upon  his  work  must  fix  thine  eye, 

Ere  he  thy  work  can  bless ; 
The  joys  which  thou  dost  highly  prize, 

And  seek  with  pain  and  care, 
To  human  effort  he  denies, 

But  gives  to  humble  prayer. 

Father,  thine  endless  truth  and  grace 

Alone  can  see  and  know, 
Whatever  to  our  mortal  race 

Brings  either  weal  or  woe. 


86  SACRED     LYRICS 

In  varied  course,  all  earthly  things 
Thy  sovereign  schemes  fulfil ; 

From  thee  all  life  and  being  springs, 
Obedient  to  thy  will. 

Thy  grace  in  every  path  can  tread, 

Thy  power  all  means  employ; 
About  thy  footsteps  light  is  shed, 

Around  thy  dealings  joy ; 
Thy  plan  no  hindrance  ever  knows, 

Thy  busy  hand  no  rest, 
While  thine  abounding  love  bestows 

What  for  thy  saints  is  best. 

Although  the  embattled  hosts  of  hell 

God's  counsel  should  oppose, 
They  never  can  our  God  compel 

To  yield  before  his  foes. 
What  from  eternity  he  planned, 

Whate'er  decreed  to  send, 
That  shall  his  all-controlling  hand 

Bring  to  its  destined  end. 

Why,  then,  art  thou  oppressed  with  grief, 
My  soul  ?     Why  bowed  so  low  ? 

Thy  God  to  thee  will  bring  relief, 
E'en  in  the  depths  of  woe. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  87 

Hope  on,  for  all  will  yet  be  well ; 

Await  the  appointed  hour ; 
The  sun  of  joy  shall  yet  dispel 

The  clouds  that  round  thee  lower. 

Bid  to  thy  anxious  cares  and  woe 

A  long  and  glad  farewell ; 
Those  sad  and  gloomy  thoughts  let  go, 

Which  in  thy  bosom  dwell. 
Thou  bearest  no  sceptre  in  thy  hand, 

To  which  all  things  submit ; 
The  world  obeys  thy  God's  command, 

He  doeth  what  is  fit. 

Let  Him  alone  the  world  control, 

None  wiser  reigns  than  he ; 
The  dealings  of  his  hand  thy  soul 

With  wondering  eye  shall  see, 
When  at  the  time  that  he  shall  choose, 

His  kind  and  wise  decree 
Thy  heavy  burdens  shall  unloose, 

And  bid  thy  sorrows  flee. 

The  consolations  of  his  grace 

May  for  a  while  delay ; 
He  for  a  time  may  hide  his  face, 

And  leave  thy  soul  to  say, 


88  SACRED     LYRICS 

"  My  God  hath  sure  despised  my  pain, 
My  sufferings  hath  forgot, 

And  though  in  anguish  I  complain, 
His  e}re  regardeth  not." 

Thou  err'st;  thy  God  doth  not  forget 

The  steadfast,  faithful  mind ; 
When  least  expected,  thou  shalt  yet 

A  great  deliverance  find  ; 
He  from  thy  weary,  burdened  heart 

The  heavy  load  will  raise, 
Beneath  whose  useful  weight  thou  art 

A  mourner  all  thy  da}rs. 

Triumphal  songs  await  thee  now, 

Servant  of  God  !  well  done  ! 
Enter  thy  welcome  rest,  for  thou 

The  victor's  crown  hast  won. 
Thy  God  himself  the  conqueror's  palm 

Into  thy  hand  shall  give, 
And  thou  shalt  swell  the  jo}'ful  psalm 

To  him  who  bade  thee  live. 

Oh !  may  we  hear  thy  gracious  word 
Pronounce  our  sorrows  past ; 

Establish  thou  our  goings,  Lord  ; 
And  while  our  wanderings  last, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  89 

Let  sacred  duties  every  day 

Our  highest  pleasure  be  ; 
And  may  the  strait  and  narrow  way 

Conduct  our  souls  to  thee. 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1676. 


WEJuCMS  TO  CHRIST. 

Macht  hoch  das  Thor,  die  Thilren  iveit. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  mighty  gates, 
Behold  the  King  of  glory  waits, 
The  King  of  kings  is  drawing  near, 
The  Saviour  of  the  world  is  here ; 
Life  and  salvation  doth  he  bring, 
Wherefore  rejoice,  and  gladly  sing, 

Praise,  0  my  God,  to  thee  ! 

Creator,  wise  is  thy  decree ! 

The  Lord  is  just,  a  helper  tried, 
Mercy  is  ever  at  his  side, 
His  kingly  crown  is  holiness, 
His  sceptre,  pity  in  distress, 


00  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  end  of  all  our  woe  he  brings; 
Wherefore  the  earth  is  glad  and  sings. 

Praise,  0  my  God,  to  thee  ! 

0  Saviour,  great  thy  deeds  shall  be ! 

Oh,  blest  the  land,  the  city  blest, 
Where  Christ  the  ruler  is  confest ! 
0  happy  hearts  and  happ}'  homes, 
To  whom  this  King  in  triumph  comes  ! 
The  cloudless  Sun  of  joy  he  is, 
Who  bringeth  pure  delight  and  bliss ; 

Praise,  0  my  God,  to  thee  ! 

Comforter,  for  thy  comfort  free  ! 

Fling  wide  the  portals  of  your  heart, 
Make  it  a  temple  set  apart 
From  earthly  use  for  heaven's  employ, 
Adorned  with  prayer,  and  love,  and  joy  ; 
So  shall  your  Sovereign  enter  in, 
And  new  and  nobler  life  begin. 
Praise,  0  my  God,  be  thine, 
For  word,  and  deed,  and  grace  divine. 

Redeemer,  come  !  I  open  wide 
My  heart  to  thee — here,  Lord,  abide  ! 
Let  me  thy  inner  presence  feel, 
Thy  grace  and  love  in  me  reveal, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  91 

Thy  Holy  Spirit  guide  us  on 

Until  our  glorious  goal  be  won  ! 
Eternal  praise  and  fame, 
Be  offered,  Saviour,  to  thy  name  ! 

"Weissel,  died  1635. 


GOD  TO  BE  TRUSTED. 

My  God  !  lo!  here  before  thy  face 

I  cast  me  in  the  dust; 
Where  is  the  hope  of  happier  days? 

Where  is  my  ^svonted  trust  ? 
Where  are  the  sunny  hours  I  had 

Ere  of  thy  light  bereft  ? 
Vanished  is  all  that  made  me  glad, 

M}r  pain  alone  is  left. 

I  shrink  ^Yith  fear  and  sore  alarm 

When  threatening  ills  I  see, 
As  in  mine  hour  of  need  thine  arm 

No  more  could  shelter  me ; 
As  though  thou  couldst  not  see  the  grief 

That  makes  my  courage  quail; 


92  SACRED     LYRICS 

As  though  thou  wouldst  not  send  relief, 
When  human  helpers  fail. 

Cannot  thy  might  avert  e'en  now 

What  seems  my  certain  doom, 
And  still  with  light  and  succour  bow 

To  him  who  weeps  in  gloom  ? 
Art  thou  not  evermore  the  same  ? 

Hast  not  thyself  revealed 
In  Holy  Writ,  that  we  may  claim 

Thee  for  our  strength  and  shield  ? 

0  Father,  compass  me  about 
With  love,  for  I  am  weak ; 

Forgive,  forgive  my  sinful  doubt, 

Thy  pitying  glance  I  seek  ; 
For  torn  and  anguished  is  my  heart, 

Thou  seest  it,  my  God  ; 
Oh  soothe  my  conscience'  bitter  smart, 

Lift  off  my  sorrows'  load. 

1  know  thy  thoughts  are  peace  toward  me, 

Safe  am  I  in  thy  hands, 
Could  I  but  firmly  build  on  thee, 

For  sure  thy  counsel  stands  ! 
Whate'er  thy  word  hath  promised,  all 

Wilt  thou  full  surely  give ; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

Wherefore  from  thee  I  will  not  fall, 
Thy  word  doth  make  me  live. 

Though  mountains  crumble  into  dust, 

Th}r  covenant  standeth  fast ; 
Who  follows  thee  in  pious  trust, 

Shall  reach  the  goal  at  last. 
Though  strange  and  winding  seem  the  way 

While  yet  on  earth  I  dwell, 
In  heaven  my  heart  shall  gladly  say, 

Thou,  God,  dost  all  things  well ! 

Take  courage  then,  my  soul,  nor  steep 

Thy  days  and  nights  in  tears, 
Soon  shalt  thou  cease  to  mourn  and  weep, 

Though  dark  are  now  thy  fears. 
He  comes,  he  comes,  the  strong  to  save, 

He  comes  nor  tarries  more, 
His  light  is  breaking  o'er  the  wave, 

The  clouds  and  storms  are  o'er. 

Dkewes.     1791 


93 


94  SACRED     LYRICS 


eiEISf  IAN  COHEUEGY. 

Binge  recht,  wenn  Gottes  Gnade. 

Strive,  when  thou  art  called  of  God, 
When  he  draws  thee  by  his  grace, 

Strive  to  cast  away  the  load 

That  would  clog  thee  in  the  race ! 

Fight,  though  it  may  cost  thy  life, 
Storm  the  kingdom,  but  prevail, 

Let  not  Satan's  fiercest  strife 

Make  thee,  warrior,  faint  or  quail. 

Wrestle,  till  through  every  vein 

Love  and  strength  are  glowing  warm, 

Love,  that  can  the  world  disdain, 
Half-love  will  not  bide  the  storm. 

Wrestle,  with  strong  prayers  and  cries, 
Think  no  time  too  much  to  spend, 

Though  the  night  be  passed  in  sighs, 
Though  all  day  thy  voice  ascend. 

Hast  thou  won  the  pearl  of  price, 

Think  not  thou  hast  reached  the  goal, 


FROM     THE     GERM  A  N.  95 

Conquered  every  sin  and  vice 

That  had  power  to  harm  thy  soul. 

Gaze  with  mingled  joy  and  fear 

On  the  refuge  thou  hast  found  ; 
Know,  while  yet  we  linger  here 

Perils  ever  hem  us  round. 

Art  thou  faithful  ?  then  oppose 
Sin  and  wrong  with  all  thy  might ; 

Care  not  how  the  tempest  blows, 
Only  care  to  win  the  fight. 

Art  thou  faithful  ?     Wake  and  watch, 
Love  with  all  thy  heart  Christ's  ways, 

Seek  not  transient  ease  to  snatch, 
Look  not  for  reward  or  praise. 

Art  thou  faithful  ?  Stand  apart 
From  all  worldly  hope  and  pleasure, 

Yonder  fix  thy  hopes  and  heart, 

On  the  heaven  where  lies  our  treasure. 

Soldiers  of  the  Cross,  be  strong, 

Watch  and  war  'mid  fear  and  pain, 
Daily  conquering  woe  and  wrong, 

Till  our  King  o'er  earth  shall  reign  ! 

Wisklkr,  died  1722, 


96  SACRED     LYRICS 


HOPE  m  BOD'S  MERCY. 

Not  in  anger  smite  us,  Lord, 

Spare  thy  people,  spare  ! 
If  thou  mete  us  due  reward 
We  must  all  despair. 
Let  the  flood 
Of  Jesus'  blood 
Quench  the  flaming  of  thy  wrath, 
That  our  sin  enkindled  hath. 

Father!  thou  hast  patience  long 

With  the  sick  and  weak ; 
Heal  us,  make  us  brave  and  strong, 
Words  of  comfort  speak. 
Touch  my  soul, 
And  make  me  whole 
With  thy  healing  precious  balm  ; 
Ward  off  all  would  work  me  harm. 

Weary  am  I,  Lord,  and  worn 
With  my  ceaseless  pain  ; 

Sad  the  heart  that  night  and  morn 
Sighs  for  help  in  vain. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  97 

Wilt  thou  yet 

My  soul  forget. 
Waiting  anxiously  for  thee 
In  the  cave  of  misery  ? 

Hence,  ye  foes !  God  hears  my  prayer 

From  his  holy  place ; 
Once  again  with  hope  I  dare 
Come  before  his  face. 
Satan  flee, 
Hell  touch  not  me  ; 
God  hath  given  me  power  o'er  all, 
Who  once  mocked  and  sought  my  fall. 

Albinus,  died  1679. 


TIS  MKRGY  Of  SOD. 

Ich  habe  nun  den  Grand  gefunden. 
Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

I  now  have  found,  for  hope  of  heaven, 

An  anchor-ground  that  firm  will  hold ; 

7 


98  SACRED     LYRICS 

'Twas  through  the  cross  of  Jesus  given, 
By  God  appointed  from  of  old  ; 
A  ground  that  shall  enduring  stay, 

When  earth  and  skies  have  passed  away. 

'Tis  God's  own  mercy,  never  ending, 
Its  measure  all  our  thoughts  exceeds ; 

While  Jesus  too,  his  arms  extending, — 
Whose  heart  for  guilty  sinners  bleeds, — 
Now  with  compassion  calls  his  foes 
To  flee  from  sin  and  endless  woes. 

And  why  should  we  be  lost  for  ever, 
Since  God  to  us  commends  his  love  ? 

His  Son,  with  message  of  his  favour, 
Invites  to  hol}r  joys  above  : 
To  win  our  hearts,  as  oft  before, 
He  now  is  knocking  at  the  door. 

This  love's  a  deep,  our  follies  hiding ; 

The  death  of  Christ — a  matchless  grace, 
To  life  and  peace  our  spirits  guiding, 

Where  wrath  no  more  shall  find  a  place. 

His  blood  for  us  is  pleading  still — 

"  Let  mercy  all  its  work  fulfil !  " 

From  this  will  I  my  comfort  borrow, 
With  joy  will  trust  my  Saviour's  plea, 


F  ROM     THE     GERMAN.  99 

And,  while  for  sin  I  deeply  sorrow, 
Now  to  the  Father's  pity  flee, — 
In  him  will  ever  seek  a  friend 
Whose  grace  in  Christ  will  never  end. 

Of  all  beside  were  I  forsaken 

That  could  my  soul  or  body  cheer ; 

From  me  if  joys  of  earth  were  taken, 
If  not  a  friend  were  left  me  here, 
One  joy  remains — the  richest,  best, — 
For  I  with  pardoning  love  am  blest. 

Should  earthly  cares  still  gather  round  me 
And  joined  with  griefs  should  malice  rise, 

Together  striving  to  confound  me, 
Or  into  sin  my  soul  surprise, 
Should  sorrows  high  o'er  sorrows  swell, 
Let  Mercy  smile,  and  all  is  well. 

Whene'er  I  look  my  doings  over, — 

The  best  of  all  that  I  have  done, — 
Much  wrong  and  weakness  I  discover, 

And  boasting  is  for  ever  gone  : 

But  in  one  thing  I  can  confide, — 

'Tis  mercy, — and  in  nought  beside. 

He  leads,  and  always  will  be  nigh  me, 
Who  has  on  me  his  mercy  set; 


100  SACRED     LYRICS 

With  all  I  need  he  will  supply  me, 
Nor  let  my  soul  his  grace  forget : 
What  joys  or  sorrows  may  befall, 
I'll  trust  his  grace  alike  in  all. 

Upon  this  ground  I  will  sustain  me, 
Long  as  the  earth  my  dwelling  prove ; 

To  serve  my  God  and  Saviour  train  me, 
Till,  dying,  I  shall  rise  above, 
And  there,  rejoicing,  shall  adore 
Unbounded  mercy  evermore. 

A.  Rothe,  died  1758. 


0  SMEED  HIAB. 

0  Haupt  roll  Bhtt  nnd  Wunden. 
Translated  by  Dr.  J.  W.  Alexander. 

0  Sacred  Head,  now  wounded, 

With  grief  and  shame  weighed  down; 

Now  scornfully  surrounded 
With  thorns,  thy  only  crown ; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  101 

0  sacred  head,  what  glory, 

What  bliss,  till  now  was  thine  ! 
Yet,  though  despised  and  gory, 

I  joy  to  call  thee  mine. 

0  noblest  brow,  and  dearest, 

In  other  days  the  world 
All  feared,  when  thou  appearedst ; 

What  shame  on  thee  is  hurled  ! 
How  art  thou  pale  with  anguish, 

With  sore  abuse  and  scorn  ! 
How  does  that  visage  languish 

Which  once  was  bright  as  morn  ! 

The  blushes  late  residing 

Upon  that  holy  cheek, 
The  roses  once  abiding 

Upon  those  lips  so  meek ; 
Alas  !  they  have  departed ; 

Wan  death  has  rifled  all ! 
For,  weak  and  broken-hearted, 

I  see  thy  body  fall. 

What  thou,  my  Lord,  hast  suffered 

Was  all  for  sinners'  gain ; 
Mine,  mine  was  the  transgression, 

But  thine  the  deadly  pain. 


102  SACRED     LYRICS 

Lo  !  here  I  fall,  my  Saviour  ! 

'Tis  I  deserve  thy  place, 
Look  on  me  with  thy  favour, 

Vouchsafe  to  me  thy  grace. 

Receive  me,  my  Redeemer, 

My  Shepherd,  make  me  thine ; 
Of  every  good  the  fountain, 

Thou  art  the  spring  of  mine. 
Thy  lips,  with  love  distilling, 

And  milk  of  truth  sincere, 
With  heaven's  bliss  are  filling 

The  soul  that  trembles  here. 

Beside  thee,  Lord,  I've  taken 

My  place,  forbid  me  not ! 
Hence  will  I  ne'er  be  shaken, 

Though  thou  to  death  be  brought. 
If  pain's  last  paleness  hold  thee, 

In  agony  opprest — 
Then,  then  I  will  enfold  thee 

Within  this  arm  and  breast ! 

The  joy  can  ne'er  be  spoken 

Above  all  joys  beside, 
When  in  thy  body  broken 

I  thus  with  safety  hide. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  103 

My  Lord  of  life,  desiring 

Thy  glory  now  to  see, 
Beside  the  cross  expiring 

I'd  breathe  my  soul  to  thee. 

What  language  shall  I  borrow 

To  thank  thee,  dearest  Friend, 
For  this  thy  dying  sorrow 

Thy  pity  without  end ! 
Oh  make  me  thine  for  ever, 

And  should  I  fainting  be, 
Lord,  let  me  never,  never 

Outlive  my  love  to  thee. 

If  I,  a  wretch,  should  leave  thee, 

0  Jesus,  leave  not  me  ; 
In  faith  may  I  receive  thee, 

When  death  shall  set  me  free. 
When  strength  and  comfort  languish, 

And  I  must  hence  depart, 
Release  me  then  from  anguish 

By  thine  own  wounded  heart. 

And  when  I  am  departing, 

Oh  part  not  thou  from  me  ; 
When  mortal  pangs  are  darting, 

Come,  Lord,  and  set  me  free ! 


104  SACRED     LYRICS 

And  when  my  heart  must  languish 

Amidst  the  final  throe, 
Release  me  from  my  anguish 

By  thine  own  pain  and  woe ! 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1676. 


FRUIT8  W  80DLY  80RR0V. 

Endlich  bricht  der  Tieiase  Tiegel. 
Translated  by  Dr.  J.  W.  Alexander. 

Now  the  crucible  is  breaking ! 
Now  my  faith  its  seal  is  taking ; 

Molten  gold  unhurt  by  fire. 
Only  thus  'tis  ever  given, 
Up  to  joys  of  highest  heaven, 

For  God's  children  to  aspire. 

Thus  by  griefs,  the  Lord  is  moulding, 
Mind  and  spirit  here  unfolding, 

His  own  image,  to  endure. 
Now  he  shapes  our  dust,  but  later 
Is  the  inner  man's  Creator ; 

Thus  he  works  by  trial  sure. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  105 

Sorrows  quell  our  insurrection, 
Bring  our  members  to  subjection, 

Under  Christ's  prevailing  will ; 
While  the  broken  powers  he  raises 
To  the  work  of  holy  praises, 

Quietly  and  softly  still. 

Sorrows  gather  home  the  senses, 
Lest,  seduced  by  earth's  pretences, 

They  should  after  idols  stroll. 
Like  an  angel  guard,  repelling 
Evil  from  the  inmost  dwelling, 

Bringing  order  to  the  soul. 

Sorrow  now  the  harp  is  stringing 
For  the  everlasting  singing, 

Teaching  us  to  soar  above ; 
Where  the  blessed  choir  palm-bearing, 
Harps  are  playing,  crowns  are  wearing, 

Round  the  throne  with  songs  of  love. 

Sorrow  makes  alert  and  daring, 
Sorrow  is  our  clay  preparing 

For  the  cold  rest  of  the  grave. 
Sorrow  is  a  herald,  hasting, 
Of  that  springtide  whose  unwasting 

Health  the  dying  soul  shall  save. 


106  SACRED     LYRICS 

Sorrow  makes  our  faith  abiding, 
Lowly,  childlike  and  confiding ; 

Sorrow  !  who  can  speak  thy  grace  ! 
Earth  may  name  thee  tribulation, 
Heaven  has  nobler  appellation  : 

Not  thus  honoured  all  our  race. 

Brethren,  these  our  perturbations, 
Step  by  step,  through  many  stations 

Lead  disciples  to  their  sun. 
Soon — though  many  a  pang  has  wasted, 
Soon — though  many  a  death  been  tasted, 

Sorrow's  watch  of  sighs  is  done. 

Though  the  healthful  powers  were  willing, 
Ail  the  Master's  will  fulfilling, 

By  obedience  to  be  tried, 
Oh  'tis  still  no  less  a  blessing, 
Such  a  Master's  care  possessing 

In  his  furnace  to  abide. 

In  the  depth  of  keenest  anguish, 
More  and  more  the  heart  shall  languish 

After  Jesus'  loving  heart, 
For  one  blessing  only  crying  ; 
Make  me  like  thee  in  thy  dying, 

Then  thy  endless  life  impart ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  107 

Till  at  length,  with  sighs  all  breaking 
Through  each  bond  its  passage  taking, 

Lo  !  the  veil  is  rent  in  twain  ! 
Who  remembers  now  earth's  treasure  ? 
What  a  sea  of  godlike  pleasure, 

High  in  heaven  swells  amain  ! 

Now.  with  Jesus  ever  reigning, 
Where  the  ransomed  home  are  gaining, 

Bathing  in  the  endless  light. 
All  the  heavenly  ones  are  meeting  ! 
Brothers,  sisters,  let  us,  greeting, 

Claim  them  ours  by  kindred  right. 

Jesus  !  toward  that  height  of  heaven. 
May  a  prospect  clear  be  given, 

Till  the  parting  hour  shall  come. 
Then,  from  pane's  emera-insr  brightly, 
May  we  all  be  wafted  lightly. 

By  angelic  convoy  home ! 

C.  F.  Hartmann.  died  181 


DID. 


108  SACRED     LYRICS 


In  einem  dunkeln  Thai. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  C.  W.  Shields. 

Down  in  a  gloomy  dell 
I  lay  in  troubled  vision, 

When  on  my  spirit  fell, 

What  seemed  a  sight  Elysian. 


'Twas  home  stood  full  in  view, 
The  sunrise  o'er  it  gleaming : 

How  pure  the  welkin's  blue  ! 
The  flowers  how  gaity  beaming ! 


What  glory  rested  on 

That  clime  of  the  ideal ! 
I  woke  :  the  dream  was  gone, 

And  pain  alone  was  real. 

Since  then  that  vale  1  roam, 
With  restless  yearning  driven, 

But  find  not  there  the  home, 
Found  nowhere  but  in  heaven. 

Justin rs  Kerner. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  109 


THE  HATTWTY  OF  CHRIST. 

Es  kommt  ein  Schiff  geladen. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  C.  W.  Shields. 

There  comes  a  bark  full  laden  : 
The  sea  of  time  is  stirred — 

God's  Son,  the  gracious  burden, 
The  eternal  Father's  Word. 

The  bark  moves  gently  driven, 
It  bears  a  precious  trust : 

The  sail,  the  love  of  Heaven ; 
The  breeze,  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Earth's  isle  the  anchor  cleaveth, 
The  bark  is  safely  moored, 

God's  Word  our  flesh  receiveth, 
Our  steadfast  hope  secured. 

A  child  at  Bethlehem  weeping, 

And  in  a  manger  laid, 
Our  sins  and  sorrows  keeping — 

Oh  blessed  be  the  babe ! 


110  SACRED     LYRICS 

Whoso  that  heavenly  stranger, 
Would  fold  in  sweet  caress, 

His  footsteps  from  the  manger, 
Must  follow  to  the  cross ; 


With  Him  must  likewise  perish, 
And  sinless  rise  to  heaven ; 

The  eternal  life  to  cherish, 
Which  unto  him  was  given. 


BE  TEOT  GOHTBHT. 

Gib  dich  zufrieden  und  sey  stille. 

Be  thou  content ;  be  still  before 

His  face,  at  whose  right  hand  doth  reign 
Fulness  of  joy  for  evermore  ; 

Without  whom  all  thy  toils  are  vain. 
He  is  thy  living  spring,  thy  sun,  whose  rays 
Make  glad  with  life  and  light  thy  weary  days; 
Be  thou  content. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  Ill 

Art  thou  all  friendless  and  alone, 

Hast  none  in  whom  thou  canst  confide  ? 
God  careth  for  thee,  lonely  one ; 
Comfort  and  help  will  he  provide. 
He  sees  thy  sorrows  and  thy  hidden  grief, 
He  knoweth  when  to  send  thee  quick  relief; 
Be  thou  content. 

Lay  not  to  heart  whate'er  of  ill 

Thy  foes  may  falsely  speak  of  thee ; 
Let  man  defame  thee  as  he  will, 
God  hears  and  judges  righteously. 
Why  shouldst  thou  fear,  if  God  be  on  thy  side, 
Man's  cruel  anger,  or  malicious  pride  ? 
Be  thou  content. 

We  know  for  us  a  rest  remains, 

When  God  will  give  us  sweet  release 
From  earth  and  all  our  mortal  chains, 
And  turn  our  sufferings  into  peace. 
Sooner  or  later  death  will  surely  come 
To  end  our  sorrows,  and  to  take  us  home. 
Be  thou  content. 

Home  to  the  chosen  ones,  who  here 
Served  their  Lord  faithfully  and  well ; 

Who  died  in  peace,  without  a  fear, 
And  there  in  peace  for  ever  dwell ; 


112  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  Everlasting  is  their  joy  and  stay, 
The  eternal  Lord  himself  to  them  doth  say, 
Be  thou  content. 

*  Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1676. 


I  WILL  SOT  LIT  Till  60. 

I  will  not  let  thee  go ;  thou  help  in  time  of  need  ! 
Heap  ill  on  ill, 
I  trust  thee  still, 
E'en  when  it  seems  as  thou  wouldst  slay  indeed  ! 
Do  as  thou  wilt  with  me, 
I  yet  will  cling  to  thee ; 
Hide  thou  thy  face,  yet  help  in  time  of  need, 
I  will  not  let  thee  go ! 

I  will  not  let  thee  go ;  should  I  forsake  my  bliss  ? 
No,  Lord,  thou'rt  mine, 
And  I  am  thine, 
Thee  will  I  hold  when  all  things  else  I  miss ; 
Though  dark  and  sad  the  night, 
Joy  cometh  with  thy  light, 
0  thou  my  Sun ;  should  I  forsake  my  bliss  ? 
I  will  not  let  thee  go  ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  113 

I  will  not  let  thee  go,  my  God,  my  Life,  my  Lord  ! 
Not  death  can  tear 
Me  from  His  care, 
Who  for  my  sake  his  soul  in  death  outpoured. 
Thou  diedst  for  love  to  me, 
I  say  in  love  to  thee, 
E'en  when  my  heart  shall  break,  my  God,  my  Life,  my 
Lord, 
I  will  not  let  thee  go ! 

Dessler,  died  1722. 


Aus  tiefer  Noth  schreV  ich  zu  dir. 

Out  of  the  depths  1  cry  to  thee, 
Lord  God  !  oh  hear  my  prayer  ! 

Incline  a  gracious  ear  to  me, 
And  bid  me  not  despair : 

If  thou  rememberest  each  misdeed, 

If  each  should  have  its  rightful  meed, 
Lord,  who  shall  stand  before  thee  ? 

8 


114  SACRED     LYRICS 

Lord,  through  thy  love  alone  we  gain 

The  pardon  of  our  sin  ; 
The  strictest  life  is  but  in  vain, 

Our  works  can  nothing  win, 
That  none  should  boast  himself  of  aught, 
But  own  in  fear  thy  grace  hath  wrought 
What  in  him  seemeth  righteous. 

Wherefore  my  hope  is  in  the  Lord, 

My  works  I  count  but  dust ; 
I  build  not  there,  but  on  his  word, 

And  in  his  goodness  trust. 
Up  to  his  care  myself  I  yield, 
He  is  my  tower,  my  rock,  my  shield, 
And  for  his  help  I  tarry. 

And  though  it  tarry  till  the  night, 

And  round  again  to  morn, 
My  heart  shall  ne'er  mistrust  thy  might, 

Nor  count  itself  forlorn. 
Do  thus,  0  ye  of  Israel's  seed, 
Ye  of  the  Spirit  born  indeed, 
Wait  for  your  God's  appearing. 

Though  great  our  sins  and  sore  our  wounds, 

And  deep  and  dark  our  fall, 
His  helping  mercy  hath  no  bounds, 

His  love  surpasseth  all. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  115 

Our  trusty  loving  Shepherd  he, 
Who  shall  at  last  set  Israel  free 
From  all  their  sin  and  sorrow. 

Luther,  died  1546. 


TEA1S  ®F  JB8U8. 

Du  weinest  ob  Jerusalem. 

Thou  weepest  o'er  Jerusalem, 

Lord  Jesus,  bitter  tears ; 
But  deepest  comfort  lies  in  them 

For  us,  whose  sins  have  filled  our  souls  with  fears 
Since  that  they  tell, 
When  sinners  turn  to  thee  thou  lovest  it  well, 
And  surely  wilt  efface,  of  thy  unbounded  grace, 
All  the  misdeeds  that  on  our  conscience  dwell. 

When  God's  just  wrath  and  anger  burn 

Against  me  for  my  sin, 
To  these  sad  tears  of  thine  I  turn, 

And  watching  them  fresh  hope  and  courage  win. 


116  SACRED     LYRICS 

For  God  doth  prize 
These  drops  so  greatly,  that  before  His  eyes 
Who  sprinkles  o'er  his  soul  with  them  is  clean  and  whole, 
And  from  his  sorrows'  depth  new  joy  shall  rise. 

Earth  is  the  home  of  tears  and  woe, 

Where  we  must  often  weep, 
Fighting  the  world  our  mighty  foe, 

Whose  enmity  to  thee  doth  never  sleep. 
My  heart  is  torn 
Afresh  each  day  by  her  fierce  rage  and  scorn, 
But  in  my  saddest  hours,  I  think  upon  those  showers 
That  tell  how  thou  hast  all  our  sorrows  borne. 

Thou  countest  up  my  tears  and  sighs ; 

E'en  were  they  numberless, 
Not  one  is  hidden  from  thine  eyes, 

Thou  ne'er  forgettest  me  in  my  distress, 
But  when  they  rain 
Before  thee,  thou  dost  quickly  turn  again, 
Hast  pity  on  my  woe,  and  makest  me  to  know 
What  sweetest  joy  lies  hid  in  sorest  pain. 

We  sow  in  tears ;  but  let  us  keep 

Our  faith  in  God,  and  trust  him  still, 
Yonder  our  harvest  we  shall  reap, 

Where  gladness  every  heart  and  mouth  shall  fill. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  117 

Such  joy  is  there 
No  mortal  tongue  its  glory  can  declare, 
A  joy  that  shall  endure,  changeless  and  deep  and  pure, 
That  shall  be  ours,  if  here  the  cross  we  bear. 

0  Christ,  I  thank  thee  for  thy  tears ; 

Those  tears  have  won  for  me 
That  I  shall  wear,  through  endless  years, 
A  crown  of  joy  before  my  God  and  thee. 
All  weeping  o'er, 
Up  to  thy  chosen  saints  I  once  shall  soar, 
And  there  th}r  pity  praise,  in  more  befitting  lays, 
Thou  glory  of  thy  Church,  for  evermore. 

Heermann,  died  1647. 


tks  mm  m  hkahy. 

Pure  Essence  !  Spotless  Fount  of  Light, 

That  fadest  never  into  dark  ! 
0  thou,  whose  eyes,  more  clear  and  bright 

Than  noonday  sun,  are  quick  to  mark 


118  SACRED     LYRICS 

Our  sins ;  lo !  bare  before  thy  face 
Lies  all  the  desert  of  my  heart, 
My  once  fair  soul  in  every  part 

Now  stained  with  evil  foul  and  base. 

Since  but  the  pure  in  heart  are  blest, 
With  promised  vision  of  their  God, 

Sore  fear  and  anguish  fill  my  breast, 
Remembering  all  the  ways  I  trod ; 

Mourning  1  see  my  lost  estate, 
And  yet  in  faith  1  dare  to  cry, 
Oh  let  my  evil  nature  die, 

Another  heart  in  me  create ! 

Enough,  Lord,  that  my  foe  too  well 
Hath  lured  me  once  away  from  thee ; 

Henceforth  I  know  his  craft  how  fell, 
And  all  his  deep-laid  snares  I  flee. 

Lord,  through  the  Spirit  whom  thy  Son 
Hath  bidden  us  in  prayer  to  ask, 
Arm  us  with  might  that  every  task, 

Whate'er  we  do,  in  thee  be  done. 

Unworthy  am  I  of  thy  grace, 

So  deep  are  my  transgressions,  Lord, 

And  yet  once  more  I  seek  thy  face  ; 
My  God,  have  mercy,  nor  reward 


FROM    THE    GERMAN.  119 

My  deepened  sins,  my  follies  vain ; 
Reject,  reject  me  not  in  wrath, 
But  let  thy  sunshine  now  beam  forth, 

And  quicken  me  with  hope  again. 

The  Holy  Spirit  thou  hast  given, 

The  wondrous  pledge  of  love  divine, 
Who  fills  our  hearts  with  joys  of  heaven, 

And  bids  us  earthly  toys  resign ; 
Oh  let  his  seal  be  on  my  heart, 

Oh  take  him  never  more  away, 

Until  this  fleshly  house  decay, 
And  thou  shalt  bid  me  hence  depart. 

But  ah  !  my  coward  spirit  droops, 

Sick  with  the  fear  that  enters  in 
Whene'er  a  soul  to  bondage  stoops, 

And  wears  the  shameful  yoke  of  sin ; 
Oh  quicken  with  the  strength  that  flows 

From  forth  the  eternal  Fount  of  Life, 

My  soul  half-fainting  in  the  strife, 
And  make  an  end  of  all  my  woes. 

I  cling  unto  thy  grace  alone, 

Thy  steadfast  oath  my  only  rest ; 
To  thee,  heart-searcher,  all  is  known 

That  lieth  hidden  in  my  breast ; 


120  SACRED     LYRICS 

Thy  gladness,  Spirit,  on  me  pour, 
Thy  ready  will  my  sloth  inspire, 
So  shall  I  have  my  heart's  desire, 

And  serve  and  praise  thee  evermore. 

Frkylinghausen,  died  1739. 


PILGRIM  SONS. 

"  Kcmmt,  Kinder,  laxst  i(7i8  fjehen." 

Come,  brothers,  let  us  onward, 

Night  comes  without  delay, 
And  in  this  howling  desert 
It  is  not  good  to  stay. 
Take  courage,  and  be  strong, 
We  are  hasting  on  to  heaven, 
Strength  for  warfare  will  be  given. 
And  glory  won  ere  long. 

The  Pilgrim's  path  of  trial 
We  do  not  fear  to  view ; 

We  know  His  voice  who  calls  us, 
We  know  him  to  be  true. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  121 

Then,  let  who  will  contemn, 
But,  strong  in  his  almighty  grace, 
Come,  every  one,  with  steadfast  face, 

On  to  Jerusalem ! 

If  we  would  walk  as  pilgrims, 

We  must  not  riches  heap ; 
Much  treasure  to  have  gathered 

But  makes  the  way  more  steep. 
We  march  with  laggard  speed, 
Till  every  weight  is  cast  aside, 
Till  with  the  little  satisfied 
That  pilgrimage  can  need. 

Here,  all  unknown  we  wander, 
Despised  on  every  hand, 
Unnoticed,  save  when  slighted 
As  strangers  in  the  land. 
Our  joys  they  will  not  share. 
Yet  sing,  that  they  may  catch  the  song 
Of  heaven  and  the  happy  throng 
That  now  await  us  there  ! 

Come,  gladly,  let  us  onward, 

Hand  in  hand  still  go, 
Each  helping  one  another 

Through  all  the  way  below. 


122  SACRED     LYRICS 

One  family  of  love, — 
Oh,  let  no  voice  of  strife  be  heard, 
No  discord,  by  the  angel-guard 

Who  watch  us  from  above. 

0  brothers  !  soon  is  ended 

The  journey  we've  begun, 
Endure  a  little  longer, 

The  race  will  soon  be  run. 
And  in  the  land  of  rest, 
In  yonder  bright,  eternal  home, 
Where  all  the  Father's  loved  ones  come, 
We  shall  be  safe  and  blest ! 

Then,  boldly,  let  us  venture, 

This,  this  is  worth  the  cost ! 
Though  dangers  we  encounter, 
Though  everything  is  lost. 
Oh  world  !  how  vain  thy  call ! 
We  follow  Him  who  wTent  before, 
We  follow  to  the  eternal  shore, 
Jesus,  our  All  in  All ! 

Gerhard  Tersteegen,  died  1769. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  123 


mmim. 

Ermuntert  euch,  ihr  Frommen. 

Rejoice,  all  ye  believers. 

And  let  your  lights  appear ; 
The  evening  is  advancing, 

And  darker  night  is  near. 
The  Bridegroom  is  arising, 

And  soon  he  draweth  nigh, — 
Up  !  pray,  and  watch,  and  wrestle, 

At  midnight  comes  the  cry ! 

See  that  your  lamps  are  burning. 

Replenish  them  with  oil, 
And  wait  for  }rour  salvation 

The  end  of  earthly  toil. 
The  watchers  on  the  mountain 

Proclaim  the  Bridegroom  near, 
Go,  meet  him  as  he  cometh, 

With  hallelujahs  clear ! 

Ye  wise  and  holy  virgins, 

Now  raise  your  voices  higher, 


124  SACRED     LYRICS 

Until  in  songs  of  triumph 
They  meet  the  angel-choir. 

The  marriage-feast  is  waiting, 
The  gates  wide  open  stand ; 

Up  !  up  !  ye  heirs  of  glory, 
The  Bridegroom  is  at  hand ! 

Ye  saints,  who  here  in  patience 

Your  cross  and  sufferings  bore, 
Shall  live  and  reign  for  ever, 

When  sorrow  is  no  more. 
Around  the  throne  of  glory, 

The  Lamb  ye  shall  behold ; 
In  triumph  cast  before  him 

Your  diadems  of  gold  ! 

There  flourish  palms  of  vict'ry, 

There,  radiant  garments  are, 
There  stands  the  peaceful  harvest 

Beyond  the  reach  of  war. 
There,  after  stormy  winter, 

The  flowers  of  earth  arise, 
And  from  the  grave's  long  slumber 

Shall  meet  again  our  eyes  ! 

Our  Hope  and  Expectation, 
0  Jesus  !  now  appear ; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  125 

Arise,  thou  Sun,  so  longed  for, 

O'er  this  benighted  sphere ! 
With  hearts  and  hands  uplifted, 

We  plead,  0  Lord,  to  see 
The  day  of  earth's  redemption 

That  brings  us  unto  thee ! 

Laurentius  Laurentij,  died  1722. 


LOHama  for  jisus. 

Je8u,  Jean,    kommt  zu  mir. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Dunn. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  visit  me. 
How  my  soul  longs  after  thee  ! 
When,  my  best,  my  dearest  Friend, 
Shall  our  separation  end  ? 

Lord,  my  longings  never  cease  ; 
Without  thee  I  find  no  peace. 
'Tis  my  constant  cry  to  thee, 
Jesus,  Jesus,  visit  me. 


126  SACRED     LYRICS 

Mean  the  joys  of  earth  appear ; 
All  below  is  dark  and  drear; 
Nought  but  thy  beloved  voice 
Can  my  wretched  heart  rejoice. 

Lord,  thou  art  of  heaven  the  Light ! 
Heaven  to  me  would  not  be  bright, 
I  would  not  its  glory  share, 
If  my  Saviour  were  not  there. 

From  my  heart  wilt  thou  remove 
All  which  thou  dost  not  approve  ? 
Let  me  own  no  God  but  thee ; 
Glorify  thyself  in  me. 

Lord,  to  none  on  earth  beside 
Thee,  my  heart  I  open  wide ; 
Enter  thou,  possess  it  all : 
Thee  alone  my  own  I  call. 

Thou  alone,  my  gracious  Lord, 
Art  my  shield  and  great  reward  ; 
All  my  hope, — my  Saviour  thou  ! 
To  thy  sovereign  will  I  bow. 

Come,  inhabit  then  my  heart. 
Purge  its  sin,  and  heal  its  smart; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  127 

See,  I  ever  cry  to  thee, 
Jesus,  Jesus,  visit  me. 

Patiently  I  wait  thy  clay ; 
For  this  gift  alone  I  pray, 
That  when  death  shall  visit  me, 
Thou  my  Light  and  Life  wilt  be. 

A>-gelus,  died  1677. 


SOI)  QUE  DKPBSCB. 

Ein'  feste  Burg  ist  unser  Gott. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Dura. 

A  stronghold  firm,  a  trusty  shield, 

When  raging  foes  appal  us, 
Our  God  defence  and  help  doth  yield. 
When  heavy  ills  befall  us. 
With  ancient  bitter  hate, 
Such  might  and  cunning  great, 
As  guides  no  earthly  arm, 
Plotting  us  deadly  harm, 
Our  foe  attempts  to  enthrall  us. 


128  SACRED     LYRICS 

Our  human  strength  avails  us  nought, 

Our  struggles  soon  were  ended, 
And  we  in  hellish  snares  were  caught, 
Unless  by  God  befriended. 

Know  ye  our  Champion's  name  ? 
All  heaven  tells  his  fame, 
"  Jesus,  the  Lord  of  Hosts." 
His  might  our  weakness  boasts ; 
By  him  are  we  defended. 


What  though  in  every  path  of  life, 

A  host  of  fiends  endeavour 
To  wound  us  in  the  deadly  strife  ? 
Their  arts  shall  triumph  never. 
The  author  of  all  ill 
May  threaten  as  he  will; 
His  throne  and  empire  proud, 
But  for  a  time  allowed, 
A  word  shall  end  for  ever. 


God's  testimony  standeth  sure, 

Whatever  man  betideth, 
He  makes  the  weakest  saint  endure, 
Who  in  his  grace  confideth. 
Though  the  best  gifts  of  life, 
Our  foes  seize  in  the  strife, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  ]  29 

We  cheerful  let  them  go ; 
No  profit  have  they  so, 
For  heaven  ours  abideth. 

Lutheh,  died  1546. 


Tig  LOSS  OF  PIOUS  muihds. 

Translated  bv  Dr.  Mills. 

Why  weepest  thou  ? — The  bodies  of  the  just 

Yield  Death  no  lasting  prize  : 
In  dust  to  sleep  retired,  the  weary  dust 
In  earth's  still  bosom  lies  : 
Life's  blossoms,  gaily  blooming, 

From  withering  nought  could  save; 
Its  joys  and  griefs  entombing, 
Full  welcome  was  the  grave. 

Why  weepest  thou  ? — Their  father-land  on  high 

Allured  their  souls  away  : 
From  earth's  deep  shadows,  clouding  all  their  sky, 

They  sought  a  brighter  day. 

9 


130  SACRED     LYRICS 

Here  anxious  cares  unnumbered 
Our  hopes  and  peace  destroy ; 
There,  with  no  fears  encumbered, 
The  soul  has  ceaseless  joy. 

• 
Why  weepest  thou  ? — Here  e'en  the  righteous  fall 

Oft  into  grievous  sin ; 
The  world  or  flesh  can  there  no  sense  enthrall, 
The  foe  no  victory  win ; 
There  grace  fulfills  its  measure, 

The  heart  is  free  from  stain, — 
Nor,  to  its  hours  of  pleasure, 
Succeeds  regret  or  pain. 

Why  weepest  thou  ? — The  future's  dreary  night 

Obstructed  all  their  view ; 
Now  happy  prospects  cheer  their  ravished  sight, 
With  blessings  ever  new  : 
Apart  the  veil  is  riven 

Which  o'er  their  vision  lay ; 
Far  off  the  clouds  are  driven, 
And  shines  a  glorious  day. 

Why  weepest  thou  ? — The  Saviour's  gentle  hand 

Has  wiped  away  their  tears  : 
No  sorrow  enters  that  dear  father-land 

Which  to  our  faith  appears. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  131 

His  arms  of  love  inclosing 

The  weary  and  distressed, 
There,  on  his  heart  reposing, 

They  find  a  blissful  rest. 

0  weep  no  more  ! — He  ever  lives  to  save  ! 

The  dead  shall  hear  his  voice ; 
He'll  bring  thyself  too,  harmless  of  the  grave, 
To  Zion  and  its  joys. 
Thy  friends  with  songs  shall  greet  thee, 

When  thou  shalt  thither  come  : 
Thy  lost  ones  there  shall  meet  thee, 
In  their  eternal  home. 

Hopfensack,  bom  1801. 


Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 


God  is  my  Light ! — Never,  my  soul,  despair 

In  hours  of  thy  distress  ! 
The  sun  withdraws,  and  earth  is  dark  and  drear 

My  light  will  never  cease. 


132  SACRED     LYRICS 

On  days  of  joy  with  splendor  beaming, 
Through  nights  of  grief,  its  rays  are  gleaming; 
God  is  my  Light ! 

God  is  my  Trust ! — My  soul,  be  not  afraid  ! 

Thy  Helper  will  abide  : 
"111  not  forsake  thee!" — He  has  kindly  said, — 

He's  ever  at  thy  side ; 
In  feeble  age  will  yet  stand  by  thee, 
No  real  good  will  he  deny  thee  : — 

God  is  my  Trust ! 

His  is  the  Power  ! — He  speaks,  and  it  is  done ; 

Commands,  it  standeth  fast ; 
Ere  hope  of  rescue  is  in  me  begun, 

Behold,  the  work  is  past ! 
When  we  our  weakness  most  are  feeling, 
God  loves  to  prove,  his  strength  revealing, 

His  is  the  Power. 

The  Kingdom  his  ! — Throughout  the  earth  he  reigns 
With  wisdom,  grace,  and  might ; 

The  stars  go  on,  and  time  its  course  maintains, 
Beneath  his  watchful  sight; 

In  silence  onward  still  proceeding, 

The  universe  obeys  his  leading, — 
The  Kingdom  his  ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  133 

God  is  my  shield  ! — Of  me  he  takes  the  care 

As  none  beside  could  do ; 
He  guards  my  head, — he  watches  every  hair, 

All  dangers  brings  me  through : 
While  thousands,  to  vain  helpers  calling, 
On  right  and  left  are  near  me  falling, — 

He  is  my  Shield  ! 

God's  my  reward ! — Well  pleased  I  onward  go 

The  path  that  he  has  shown  : 
It  has  no  trials  but  my  God  will  know, 

When  he  awards  my  crown. 
I'll  gladly  strive,  the  fight  sustaining, 
Until  in  death  the  victory  gaining, — 

God's  my  Reward  ! 

Hengstenberg,  1825. 


Je  grosser  Kreutz,je  n'dher  Himnul. 
Translated  by  J.  J.  Gurney. 

Greater  the  cross,  the  nearer  heaven ; 
Godless,  to  whom  no  cross  is  given ! 


134  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  noisy  world  in  masquerade 
Forgets  the  grave,  the  worm,  the  shade; 
Blest  is  yon  dearer  child  of  God 
On  whom  he  lays  the  cross,  the  rod. 

Best,  b}r  whom  most  the  cross  is  known  ; 
God  whets  us  on  his  grinding-stone ; 
Full  many  a  garden's  dressed  in  vain, 
Where  tears  of  sorrow  never  rain. 
In  fiercest  flames  the  gold  is  tried, 
In  griefs  the  Christian  's  purified. 

'Midst  crosses,  faith  her  triumph  knows. 
The  palm  tree  pressed  more  vigorous  grows  ; 
Go  tread  the  grapes  beneath  thy  feet, 
The  stream  that  flows  is  full  and  sweet. 
In  trouble,  virtues  grow  and  shine, 
Like  pearls  beneath  the  ocean  brine. 

Crosses  abound,  love  seeks  the  skies ; 
Blow  the  rude  winds,  the  flames  arise ; 
When  hopeless  gloom  the  w7elkin  shrouds, 
The  sun  comes  laughing  through  the  clouds ; 
The  cross  makes  pure  affection  glow, 
Like  oil  that  on  the  fire  we  throw. 

Who  wears  the  cross  prays  oft  and  well, 
Bruised  herbs  send  forth  the  sweetest  smell ; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  135 

Were  ships  ne'er  tossed  by  stormy  wind, 
The  pole  star  who  would  care  to  find  ? 
Had  David  spent  no  darksome  hours, 
His  sweetest  songs  had  ne'er  been  ours. 

From  trouble  springs  the  longing  hope; 
From  the  deep  vale  we  mount  the  slope ; 
Who  treads  the  desert's  dreariest  way, 
For  Canaan  most  will  long  and  pray ; 
Here  finds  the  trembling  dove  no  rest, 
Flies  to  the  ark  and  builds  her  nest. 

Heavy  the  cross,  e'en  death  is  dear : 
The  sufferer  sings — his  end  is  near ; 
From  sin  and  pain  he  bursts  away, 
Trouble  shall  die  that  very  day  ! 
The  cross  yon  silent  grave  adorning 
Bespeaks  a  bright,  triumphant  morning. 

Greater  the  cross,  the  lovelier  rays 
The  crown  prepared  of  God  displays — 
Treasure  by  many  a  conqueror  worn, 
Who  wears  it  now  before  the  throne ; 
Oh  think  upon  that  jewel  fair, 
And  heaviest  griefs  are  light  as  air. 

Dear  Lamb  of  God,  enhance  thy  cross, 
More  and  yet  more  !  all  else  is  dross. 


136 


SACRED     LYRICS 

Let  ne'er  a  murmur  mar  my  rest, 
Plant  thy  own  patience  in  my  breast; 
To  guard  me,  faith,  hope,  love,  combine, 
Until  the  glorious  crown  be  mine. 

B.  Schmolke,  died  173'i 


CHRISTIAN'S  I8TIH4TS  OF  TEE  WOELLB, 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Can  I  this  world  esteem, 
Or  here  repose  my  treasure, 

When  I  alone  in  thee, 
Dear  Jesus,  find  my  pleasure  ? 

Thou  art  my  chosen  good, 

Without  thee,  joy's  a  dream; 

With  thee,  I  need  no  more — 

Can  I  this  world  esteem  ? 

This  world  is  like  the  smoke 
In  air  full  quickly  failing ; 

'Tis  like  the  shadow  vain 
Of  clouds  fast  onward  sailing  : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  137 

All,  all  soon  flits  away, — 
But  Christ  abides  the  same ; 
He's  my  enduring  Rock, — 
Can  I  this  world  esteem  ? 

The  world  their  honours  seek, 
To  earthly  great-ones  bending ; 

Nor  will  at  all  reflect 
That  these  to  dust  are  tending : 

To  Him  who  ever  lives, 

Whom  I  my  glory  deem, 

To  Christ — they  scorn  to  bow; — 

Can  I  the  world  esteem  ? 

The  world  for  riches  strive, 
Their  toil  no  respite  suffers : 

The  best  reward  they  hope 
Is  treasure  in  their  coffers  : 

I  know  a  higher  good, 

A  treasure  that's  supreme ; 

'T  is  Jesus, — he  is  mine  ; — 

Can  I  the  world  esteem? 

The  world  much  trouble  feel, 
Whoever  may  deride  them ; 

Or  when  the  praise  they  wish 
By  others  is  denied  them  : 


138  SACRED     LYRICS 

But  if  it  please  my  Lord, 
For  him  I'll  suffer  shame, 
In  this  my  glory  find ; 
Can  I  this  world  esteem? 

The  world  to  darling  lusts 
Admit  no  curb  or  measure, 
For  seeking  joys  on  high 
They  have  no  heart  or  leisure ; 
The  wretch  who  scorns  restraint 
Will  meet  his  friends  with  them  ; 
While  then  I  love  my  God, 
Can  I  the  world  esteem  ? 

Can  I  this  world  esteem  ? 
How  soon  its  honours  vanish  ! 

These  cannot  from  the  brow 
Death's  pallid  tokens  banish  : 

Its  riches — they  are  dust ! 

Its  joys — a  lying  name  ! 

But  Christ — eternal  bliss  ! 

Can  I  this  world  esteem  ? 

Can  I  this  world  esteem  ? 
Christ  is  my  life  for  ever, 

My  wealth,  all  my  estate  : 
I  rest  upon  his  favour 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  139 

My  portion  here, — above, 
My  every  hope  and  aim  ; — 
Once  more,  then,  I  would  say — 
Can  I  this  world  esteem  ? 

G.  M.  Pfefferkorn. 


ONI  TEIXG  II  N11DFUL. 

Eins  ist  noth  !  ach  Herr  diess  Line. 

One  thing  is  needful !  Let  me  deem 

Aright  of  that  whereof  He  spoke  ; 
All  else,  how  sweet  soe'er  it  seem, 
Is  but  in  truth  a  heavy  yoke, 
'Neath  which  the  toiling  spirit,frets  and  pants, 
Yet  never  finds  the  happiness  it  wants : 
This  One  can  make  amends  whate'er  I  miss, 
Who  hath  it  finds  in  all  his  joys  through  this ! 

My  soul,  wouldst  thou  this  one  thing  find  ? 

Seek  not  amid  created  things ; 
Leave  what  is  earthly  far  behind, 

O'er  nature  heavenward  stretch  thy  wings, 


140  SACRED     LYRICS 

Where  God  and  man  are  one,  in  whom  appear 
All  truth  and  fulness,  thou  hast  found  it  here, — 
The  better  part,  the  One  thing  needful  he, 
My  One,  my  All,  my  Joy,  who  saveth  me. 

As  Mary  once  devoutly  sought 

The  eternal  truth,  the  better  part, 
And  sat,  en  wrapt  in  holy  thought, 
At  Jesus'  feet  with  burning  heart, 
For  nought  else  caring,  yearning  for  the  word 
That  should  be  spoken  by  her  Friend,  her  Lord, 
Losing  her  All  in  him,  his  word  believing, 
And  through  the  One  all  things  again  receiving : 

Even  so  is  all  my  heart's  desire 

Fixed,  dearest  Lord,  on  thee  alone ; 
Oh  make  me  true  and  draw  me  nigher, 
And  make  thyself,  0  Christ,  my  own. 
Though  many  turn  aside  to  join  the  crowd, 
To  follow  thee  in  love  my  heart  is  vowed, 
Thy  word  is  life  and  spirit,  whither  go  ? 
What  joy  is  there  in  thee  we  cannot  know  ? 

All  perfect  wisdom  lies  in  thee 
As  in  its  primal  hidden  source ; 

Oh  let  my  will  submissive  be, 

And  hold  henceforth  its  even  course, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  141 

Controlled  by  truth  and  meekness,  for  high  heaven 
To  lowly  simple  hearts  hath  wisdom  given ; 
Who  knoweth  Christ  aright,  and  in  him  lives, 
Hath  won  the  highest  prize  that  wisdom  gives. 

Oh  that  my  soul  from  sleep  might  wake, 

And  ever,  Lord,  thine  image  bear ! 
Thee  for  my  portion  1  will  take. 
Thy  holiness  thou  bidd'st  us  share, 
Whate'er  we  need  for  God-like  walk  and  life 
Is  given  to  us  in  thee ;  oh  end  this  strife, 
And  free  me  from  the  love  of  passing  things, 
To  know  alone  the  life  from  thee  that  springs ! 

What  can  I  ask  for  more  ?  Behold 

Thy  mercy  is  a  very  flood ; 
I  know  that  thou  hast  passed  of  old 
Into  the  Holiest  through  thy  blood, 
And  there  redeemed  for  ever  those  who  lay 
Beneath  the  rule  of  Satan ;  now  are  they 
Made  free  by  thee,  who  erst  were  slaves  and  weak, 
And  childlike  hearts  the  name  of  Father  speak. 

Deep  joy  and  peace  and  holy  calm 

Fill  my  once  restless  spirit  now ; 
O'er  verdant  pastures  free  from  harm, 

She  follows  thee,  her  Shepherd  thou ; 


142  SACRED     LYRICS 

Whate'er  rejoices  or  consoles  us  here, 
Is  not  so  sweet  as  feeling  thou  art  near; 
This  One  is  needful,  but  all  else  is  dross, 
Let  me  win  Christ,  all  other  gain  is  loss. 

Schroder,  died  1728. 


CHRISTIAN  THAHOGlflRfr, 

0  dass  ich  tausend  Zunge  hatte. 
Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Oh  that  I  had  a  thousand  voices  ! 

A  mouth  to  speak  with  thousand  tongues ! 
Then,  with  a  heart  his  praise  rejoices, 

Would  I  proclaim  in  grateful  songs, 

To  all  wherever  I  should  be, 

What  'tis  the  Lord  has  done  for  me. 

Oh  that  my  voice  might  high  be  sounding, 
Far  as  the  widely  distant  poles ; 

My  blood  be  quick  with  rapture  bounding, 
Long  as  its  vital  current  rolls  : 


FROM      THE     GERMAN.  143 

And  every  pulse  thanksgiving  raise, 
And  every  breath,  a  hymn  of  praise  ! 

Be  not,  my  powers,  in  silence  sleeping ; 

Awake  ! — inflame  your  utmost  zeal ! 
Your  strength  in  constant  effort  keeping, 

The  praises  of  my  God  to  swell : 

Soul,  body,  all  your  might  employ  ! 

Extol  the  Lord  with  sacred  joy  ! 

Ye  trees  ! — your  growth  his  seasons  nourish, 

Now  wave  and  rustle  to  his  praise  ! 
Ye  flowerets  fair ! — so  soon  to  perish, 

Your  forms  with  beauty  he  arrays ; 

Let  all  your  bloom  now  vocal  be, 

And  join  the  song  of  praise  with  me  ! 

And  yet  should  universal  Nature 

Hear  and  obey  my  earnest  call, 
Should  I  have  aid  from  every  creature, 

The  strength  wTould  still  be  far  too  small, 

His  greater  wronders  to  unfold, 

Which  all  around  me  1  behold. 

Dear  Father,  endless  praise  I  render, 
For  soul  and  body  strangely  joined  ; 

I  praise  thee,  Guardian  kind  and  tender, 
For  all  the  noble  joys  I  find 


144  SACRED     LYRICS 

So  richly  spread  on  every  side, 
And  freely  for  my  use  supplied. 

What  equal  praises  can  I  offer, 

Dear  Jesus,  for  thy  mercy  shown  ? 

What  pangs,  my  Saviour,  didst  thou  suffer, 
And  thus  for  all  my  sins  atone  ! 
Thy  death  alone  my  soul  could  free 
From  Satan,  to  be  blest  with  thee. 

Honour  and  praise,  still  onward  reaching, 
Be  thine  too,  Spirit  of  all  grace, 

Whose  holy  power  and  faithful  teaching 
Give  me  among  thy  saints  a  place  : 
•  Whate'er  of  good  in  me  may  shine 
Comes  only  from  thy  light  divine. 

Who  grants  immortal  hopes  to  bless  me  ? 

Who,  but  thyself,  0  God  of  love  ? 
Who  guards  my  way  lest  fears  oppress  me  ? 

T  is  thou,  Lord  God  of  hosts  above. 

And  when  my  sins  thy  wrath  provoke, 

Thy  patience,  Lord,  forbears  the  stroke. 

I  kiss  the  rod  too,  unrepining, 

When  God  his  chastening  makes  me  feci : 
My  graces  call  for  his  refining, 

The  trial  works  no  lasting  ill : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  145 

It  purifies,  and  makes  it  known 
That  he  regards  me  as  a  son. 

In  life  I  often  have  discovered, 

With  gratitude  and  glad  surprise, 
When  clouds  of  sorrow  o'er  me  hovered, 

God  sent  from  them  my  best  supplies  : 

In  troubles  he  is  ever  near, 

And  shows  me  all  a  father's  care. 

Why  not  then,  with  a  faith  unbounded, 

For  ever  in  his  love  confide  ? 
Why  not,  with  earthly  griefs  surrounded, 

Rejoicing,  still  in  hope  abide ; 

Until  I  reach  that  blissful  home 

Where  doubts  and  sorrows  never  come  ? 

No  more  low  vanities  regarding, 

To  thee,  in  whom  I  find  my  rest, 
I  cry — my  inmost  soul  according, — 

"  My  God,  thou  art  the  highest,  best ; 

Strength,  honour,  praise,  and  thanks,  and  power 

Be  thine,  both  now  and  evermore  !" 

For  all  thy  goodness  I'll  extol  thee, 

While  yet  my  tongue  has  strength  to  move ; 

First  object  of  my  love  enrol  thee, 

Until  my  heart  forget  to  love. 
10 


146  SACRED     LYRICS 

When  feeble  lips  no  voice  can  raise, 
My  dying  sighs  shall  murmur  praise. 

Accept,  0  Lord,  I  now  implore  thee, 
The  meagre  praise  I  give  below : 

In  heaven  I  better  will  adore  thee, 

When  I  an  angel's  strength  shall  know  : 
There  would  I  lead  the  sacred  choir, 
And  raise  their  hallelujahs  higher ! 

John  Mentzer,  died  1734. 


Leave  all  to  God, 
Forsaken  one,  and  still  thy  tears. 

For  the  Highest  knows  thy  pain, 
Sees  thy  sufferings  and  thy  fears ; 
Thou  shalt  not  wait  his  help  in  vain, 
Leave  all  to  God. 

Be  still  and  trust ! 
For  his  strokes  are  strokes  of  love, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  147 

Thou  must  for  thy  profit  bear ; 
He  thy  filial  fear  would  move, 
Trust  thy  Father's  loving  care, 
Be  still  and  trust ! 

Know,  God  is  near ! 
Though  thou  think  him  far  away, 

Though  his  mercy  long  have  slept, 
He  will  come  and  not  delay, 

When  his  child  enough  hath  wept, 
For  God  is  near! 

Oh  teach  him  not 
When  and  how  to  hear  thy  prayers ; 

Never  doth  our  God  forget, 
He  the  cross  who  longest  bears 
Finds  his  sorrows'  bounds  are  set, 
Then  teach  him  not. 

If  thou  love  him, 
Walking  truly  in  his  ways, 

Then  no  trouble,  cross  or  death, 
Shakes  thy  heart,  or  quells  thy  praise. 
All  things  serve  thee  here  beneath, 
If  thou  love  God  ! 

Axton  Ulrich,  Duke  of  Brunswick,  died  1714. 


148  SACRED     LYRICS 


IS  TEEE  I  TRIUMPH. 

Wie  icolil  ist  mir,  o  Frexind  der  Seele. 

0  Friend  of  souls,  how  well  is  me 

Whene'er  thy  love  my  spirit  calms  ! 
From  sorrow's  dungeon  forth  I  flee, 

And  hide  me  in  thy  sheltering  arms. 
The  night  of  weeping  flies  away 
Before  the  heart-reviving  ray 

Of  love,  that  beams  from  out  th}'  breast ; 
Here  is  my  heaven  on  earth  begun ; 
Who  were  not  joyful  had  he  won 

In  thee,  0  God,  his  joy  and  rest ! 

The  world  may  call  herself  my  foe, 

So  be  it ;  for  I  trust  her  not, 
E'en  though  a  friendly  face  she  show, 

And  heap  with  her  good  things  my  lot. 
In  thee  alone  will  I  rejoice, 
Thou  art  the  Friend,  Lord,  of  my  choice, 

For  thou  art  true  when  friendships  fail ; 
'Mid  storms  of  woe  thy  truth  is  still 
My  anchor ;  hate  me  as  it  will, 

The  world  shall  o'er  me  ne'er  prevail. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  149 

Through  deserts  of  the  cross  thou  leadest, 

I  follow  leaning  on  thy  hand ; 
From  out  the  clouds  thy  child  thou  feedest, 

And  gives t  him  water  from  the  sand. 
I  know  thy  wondrous  ways  will  end 
In  love  and  blessing,  thou  true  Friend, 

Enough  if  thou  art  ever  near ! 
I  know,  whom  thou  wilt  glorify, 
And  raise  o'er  sun  and  stars  on  high, 

Thou  leadest  through  depths  and  darkness  here. 

To  others  Death  seems  dark  and  grim, 

But  not,  thou  Life  of  life,  to  me ; 
I  know  thou  ne'er  forsakest  him 

Whose  heart  and  spirit  rest  in  thee. 
Oh  who  would  fear  his  journey's  close, 
If  from  dark  woods  and  lurking  foes, 

He  then  find  safety  and  release  ? 
Nay,  rather  with  a  joyful  heart 
From  this  dark  region  I  depart, 

To  thy  eternal  light  and  peace. 


0  Friend  of  souls,  then  well  indeed 
Is  me,  when  on  thy  love  I  lean  ! 

The  world,  nor  pain,  nor  death  I  heed, 
Since  thou,  my  God,  my  joy  hast  been. 


150  SACRED     LYRICS 

Oh  let  this  peace  that  thou  hast  given, 
Be  but  a  foretaste  of  thy  heaven, 

For  goodness  infinite  is  thine. 
Hence,  world,  with  all  thy  flattering  toys  ! 
In  God  alone  lie  all  my  joys ; 

Oh  rich  delight,  my  Friend  is  mine  ! 

Dessluh,  died  1722. 


THE  CURE  OF  SORROW, 

An/  den  Kegel  folgt  die  So»n' . 

Cometh  sunshine  after  rain, 

After  mourning  joy  again, 

After  heavy  bitter  grief 

Dawneth  surely  sweet  relief; 

And  my  soul,  who  from  her  height 
Sank  to  realms  of  wToe  and  night, 
Wingeth  now  to  heaven  her  flight. 

He,  whom  this  world  dares  not  face, 
Hath  refreshed  me  w7ith  his  grace, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  151 

And  his  mighty  hand  unbound 

Chains  of  hell  about  me  wound ; 

Quicker,  stronger,  leaps  my  blood, 
Since  his  mercy,  like  a  flood, 
Poured  o'er  all  my  heart  for  good. 

Bitter  anguish  have  1  borne, 
Keen  regret  my  heart  hath  torn, 
Sorrow  dimmed  my  weeping  eyes, 
Satan  blinded  me  with  lies ; 

Yet  at  last  am  I  set  free, 

Help,  protection,  love,  to  me 

Once  more  true  companions  be. 

Ne'er  was  left  a  helpless  prey, 
Ne'er  with  shame  was  turned  away, 
He  who  gave  himself  to  God, 
And  on  him  had  cast  his  load. 

Who  in  God  his  hope  hath  placed 

Shall  not  life  in  pain  outwaste, 

Fullest  joy  he  yet  shall  taste. 

Though  to-day  may  not  fulfil 
All  thy  hopes,  have  patience  still ; 
For  perchance  to-morrow's  sun 
Sees  thy  happier  days  begun. 


152  SACRED     LYRICS 

As  God  willeth  march  the  hours, 
Bringing  joy  at  last  in  showers, 
And  whate'er  we  asked  is  ours. 

When  my  heart  was  vexed  with  care, 
Filled  with  fears,  well  nigh  despair ; 
When  with  watching  many  a  night, 
On  me  fell  pale  sickness'  blight ; 

When  my  courage  failed  me  fast, 
Camest  thou,  my  God,  at  last, 
And  my  woes  were  quickly  past. 

Now  as  long  as  here  I  roam, 
On  this  earth  have  house  and  home, 
Shall  this  wondrous  gleam  from  thee 
Shine  through  all  my  memory. 
To  my  God  I  yet  will  cling, 
All  my  life  the  praises  sing 
That  from  thankful  hearts  outspring. 

Every  sorrow,  every  smart, 

That  the  eternal  Father's  heart 

Hath  appointed  me  of  yore, 

Or  hath  yet  for  me  in  store, 

As  my  life  flows  on  I'll  take 

Calmly,  gladly  for  his  sake, 

No  more  faithless  murmurs  make. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  153 

I  will  meet  distress  and  pain, 

I  will  greet  e'en  death's  dark  reign, 

I  will  lay  me  in  the  grave, 

With  a  heart  still  glad  and  brave. 

Whom  the  Strongest  doth  defend, 
Whom  the  Highest  counts  his  friend, 
Cannot  perish  in  the  end. 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1676. 


If  IS  HOT  BYIM. 

Nein,  nein,  das  ist  kein  sterben. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Dumr. 

No,  no,  it  is  not  dying, 
To  go  unto  our  God ; 
This  gloomy  earth  forsaking, 
Our  journey  homeward  taking 
Along  the  starry  road. 

No,  no,  it  is  not  dying, 
Heaven's  citizen  to  be ; 
A  crown  immortal  wearing, 
And  rest  unbroken  sharing, 
From  care  and  conflict  free. 


154  SACRED     LYRICS 

No,  no,  it  is  not  dying, 
To  hear  this  gracious  word, 
"  Receive  a  Father's  blessing, 
For  evermore  possessing 
The  favour  of  thy  Lord." 

No,  no,  it  is  not  dying, 
The  Shepherd's  voice  to  know. 
His  sheep  he  ever  leadeth, 
His  peaceful  flock  he  feedeth, 
Where  living  pastures  grow. 

No,  no,  it  is  not  dying, 
To  wear  a  lordly  crown ; 
Among  God's  people  dwelling, 
The  glorious  triumph  swelling, 
Of  Him  whose  sway  we  own. 

Oh,  no,  this  is  not  dying, 
Thou  Saviour  of  mankind  ! 
There  streams  of  love  are  flowing, 
No  hindrance  ever  knowing ; 
Here  drops  alone  we  find. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  155 


SOD'S  PRESENCE. 

Komm,  segen  axis  der  Hoh'. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Dunn. 

Attend,  0  Lord,  my  daily  toil 

With  blessings  from  above ; 
Grant  that  my  soul  may  watchful  be, 

And  full  of  faith  and  love. 
In  all  my  many  pleasant  tasks, 

Let  me  united  find, 
With  careful  Martha's  busy  hand, 

Sweet  Mary's  docile  mind. 

Amid  the  various  scenes  of  life, 

In  matters  great  or  small, 
Oh,  let  me  ne'er  indulge  in  pride, 

Nor  angry  words  let  fall. 
May  I  with  willing,  cheerful  heart, 

My  brother's  burden  share, 
And  never  bring  reproach  upon 

The  holy  name  I  bear. 

Where'er  my  roving  feet  may  tread, 
Whate'er  my  hands  provide, 

May  faith's  clear  eye  the  Lord  behold 
Still  standing  by  my  side. 


156  SACRED     LYRICS 

Guide  and  control  my  stubborn  heart, 
Until  thy  sovereign  will 

I  shall  in  every  purpose  own, 
In  every  act  fulfil. 


SlBM!SS!®Ie 

Thus  said  the  Lord,  "  Thy  days  of  health  are  over ! 

And  like  the  mist  my  vigour  fled  away, 

Till  but  a  feeble  shadow  was  remaining, 

A  fragile  frame,  fast  hastening  to  decay. 

The  May  of  life,  with  all  its  blooming  flowers, 

The  joys  of  life,  in  colours  bright  arrayed, 

The  hopes  of  life,  in  all  their  airy  promise, 

I  saw  them  in  the  distance  slowly  fade. 

Then  sighs  of  sorrow  in  my  soul  would  rise, 
Then  silent  tears  would  overflow  my  eyes  ! 
But  a  warm  sunbeam  from  a  higher  sphere 
Stole  through  the  gloom,  and  dried  up  every  tear : 
Is  this  thy  will,  good  Lord  ?  the  strife  is  o'er, 
Thy  servant  weeps  no  more. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  157 

"  Thy  cherished  flock  thou  mayest  feed  no  longer  ! " 
Thus  said  the  Lord,  who  gave  them  to  my  hand ; 
Nor  even  was  my  sinking  heart  permitted 
To  ask  the  reason  of  the  dread  command. 
The  shepherd's  rod  had  been  so  gladly  carried, 
The  flock  had  followed  long  and  loved  it  well ; 
Alas  !  the  hour  was  dark,  the  stroke  was  heavy, 
When  sudden  from  my  nerveless  grasp  it  fell. 
Then  sighs  of  sorrow  in  my  soul  would  rise, 
Then  rushing  tears  would  overflow  my  eyes  ! 
But  I  beheld  thee,  0  my  Lord  and  God, 
Beneath  the  cross  lay  down  the  shepherd's  rod  : 
Is  this  thy  will,  good  Lord  ?  the  strife  is  o'er, 
Thy  servant  weeps  no  more. 


"  Never  again  thou  mayest  feed  thy  people ! " 
Thus  said  the  Lord,  with  countenance  severe, 
And  bade  me  lay  aside  at  once,  for  ever, 
The  robes  of  office,  honoured  long  and  dear. 
The  sacred  mantle  from  my  shoulders  falling, 
The  sacred  girdle  loosening  at  his  word ; 
I  could  but  feel  and  say,  while  sadly  gazing, 
I  have  been  once  a  pastor  of  the  Lord. 

Then  groans  of  anguish  in  my  soul  would  rise. 

Then  burning  tears  would  overflow  my  eyes ! 
But  His  own  garment  once  was  torn  away, 


158  SACRED     LYRICS 

To  the  rude  soldiery  a  spoil  and  prey  : 
Is  this  thy  will,  good  Lord  ?  the  strife  is  o'er, 
Thy  servant  weeps  no  more. 

"  From  the  calm  port  of  safety  rudely  severed, 
Through  stormy  waves  thy  shattered  bark  must  go, 
And  dimly  see,  amid  the  darkness  sinking, 
Nothing  but  heaven  above  and  depths  below  ! " 
Thus  said  the  Lord ;  and  through  a  raging  ocean 
Of  doubts  and  fears  my  spirit  toiled  in  vain. 
Ah  !  many  a  dove  went  forth  of  hope  inquiring, 
But  none  with  olive  leaf  returned  again  ! 

Then  groans  of  anguish  in  my  soul  would  rise. 
Then  tears  of  bitterness  o'erflowed  my  eyes  ! 
Yet  through  the  gloom  the  promised  light  was  given  ; 
From  the  dark  waves  I  could  look  up  to  heaven  ! 
Is  this  thy  will,  good  Lord  ?  the  strife  is  o'er, 
Thy  servant  weeps  no  more. 

"  Thou  shalt  find  kindred  hearts  in  love  united, 
And  with  them  in  the  wilderness  rejoice  ; 
But  stand  prepared,  each  gentle  tie  untwining, 
To  separate  at  my  commanding  voice  ! " 
Thus  said  the  Lord ;  he  gave  as  he  had  promised. 
How  many  a  loving  heart  has  met  my  own  ! 
But  ever  must  the  tender  bonds  be  broken, 
And  each  go  onward,  distant,  and  alone  ? 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  159 

Then  sighs  of  sorrow  in  my  soul  would  rise, 
Then  tears  of  anguish  overflowed  my  eyes  ! 

But  thou  hast  known  the  bitter,  parting  day, 

From  the  beloved  John  hast  turned  away. 

Is  this  thy  will,  good  Lord  ?  the  strife  is  o'er, 
Thy  servant  weeps  no  more. 

Mowes,  died — 


There  is  a  land  where  beauty  will  not  fade, 

Nor  sorrow  dim  the  eye ; 
Where  true  hearts  will  not  sink  nor  be  dismayed, 

And  love  will  never  die. 
Tell  me — I  fain  would  go, — 
For  I  am  burdened  with  a  heavy  woe  ; 
The  beautiful  have  left  me  all  alone ; 
The  true,  the  tender,  from  my  path  have  gone, 
And  I  am  weak  and  fainting  with  despair; 
Where  is  it  ?  tell  me,  where  ? 


160  SACRED     LYRICS 

Friend,  thou  must  trust  in  Him  who  trod  before 

The  desolate  path  of  life ; 
Must  bear  in  meekness,  as  he  meekly  bore, 

Sorrow,  and  toil,  and  strife. 
Think  how  the  Son  of  God 
These  thorny  paths  has  trod ; 
Yet  tarried  out  for  thee  the  appointed  woe ; 
Think  of  his  loneliness  in  places  dim, 
When  no  man  comforted  or  cared  for  him ; 
Think  how  he  prayed,  unaided  and  alone, 
In  that  dread  agony,  "  Thy  will  be  done  ! " 
Friend,  do  thou  not  despair, 
Christ,  in  his  heaven  of  heavens,  will  hear  thy  prayer. 

Uhland. 


m  ALMHE  HII8HY8. 

On  Alpine  heights  the  love  of  God  is  shed 
He  paints  the  morning  red, 
The  flowerets  white  and  blue, 
And  feeds  them  with  his  dew. 

On  Alpine  heights  a  loving  Father  dwells. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  1G1 

On  Alpine  heights,  o'er  many  a  fragrant  heath, 

The  loveliest  breezes  breathe ; 

So  free  and  pure  the  air, 

His  breath  seems  floating  there. 
On  Alpine  heights  a  loving  Father  dwells. 

On  Alpine  heights,  beneath  his  mild  blue  eye, 

Still  vales  and  meadows  lie ; 

The  soaring  glacier's  ice 

Gleams  like  a  paradise. 
On  Alpine  heights  a  loving  Father  dwells. 

Down  Alpine  heights  the  silvery  streamlets  flow ; 

There  the  bold  chamois  go ; 

On  giddy  crags  they  stand, 

And  drink  from  his  own  hand. 
On  Alpine  heights  a  loving  Father  dwells. 

On  Alpine  heights,  in  troops  all  white  as  snow, 

The  sheep  and  wild  goats  go ; 

There  in  the  solitude, 

He  fills  their  heart  with  food. 
On  Alpine  heights  a  loving  Father  dwells. 

On  Alpine  heights  the  herdsman  tends  his  herd ; 

His  Shepherd  is  the  Lord  ; 
11 


162  SACRED     LYRICS 

For  he  who  feeds  the  sheep 
Will  sure  his  offspring  keep. 
On  Alpine  heights  a  loving  Father  dwells. 


Krummacher,  born  1767. 


OTB  UTtLK  GHMCH. 

Oh,  only  see  how  sweetly  there 

Our  little  church  is  gleaming ! 
The  golden  evening  sunshine  fair 

Ou  tower  and  roof  is  streaming. 
How  soft  and  tranquil  all  around  ! 
Where  shall  its  like  on  earth  be  found  ? 

Through  the  green  foliage,  white  and  clear. 

It  peeps  out  all  so  gaily 
Round  on  our  little  village  here, 

And  down  through  all  the  valley. 
Well  pleased  it  is,  as  one  may  see, 
With  its  own  grace  and  purity. 

Not  always  does  it  fare  so  well, 

When  tempests  rage  and  riot, 
Yet  even  then  the  little  bell 

Speaks  out — "'Twill  soon  be  quiet!" 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  163 

Though  clouds  look  black,  and  pour  down  rain, 
The  sunshine  brighter  comes  again. 

And  when  the  organ  shines  and  sounds, 

With  silver  pipes  all  glistening, 
How  every  heart  then  thrills  and  bounds, 

And  earth  and  heaven  seem  listening ! 
Such  feelings  in  each  bosom  swell, 
But  what  he  feels  no  one  can  tell. 
Oh,  see  in  evening's  golden  fire 

Its  little  windows  gleaming  ! 
Bright  as  a  bride  in  gay  attire, 

With  flowers  and  jewels  beaming. 
Aye,  look  ye  now,  it  gleams  and  glows, 
Fair  as  an  apricot  or  rose ! 

Within,  our  little  church  shows  quite — 

Believe  me — quite  as  neatly  ; 
The  little  benches,  blue  and  white, 

All  empty,  look  so  sweetly  ! 
On  Sunday  none  is  empty  found — 
There's  no  such  church  the  wide  world  round  ! 

See  where  against  the  pillared  wall 

The  pulpit  high  is  builded, 
Well  carved  and  planned  by  master  hand, 

All  polished  bright  and  gilded. 
Then  comes  the  pastor  undismayed ; 
They  wonder  he  is  not  afraid. 


164  SACRED     LYRICS 

But  he  stands  up  a  hero  there, 

And  leads  them  on  to  heaven, 
Through  all  this  world  of  sin  and  care, 

The  flock  his  God  has  given. 
Soft  falls  his  word  as  dew  comes  down 
On  a  dry  meadow,  parched  and  brown. 

But  see,  the  sun  already  sinks, 

And  all  the  vale  is  darkling, 
Only  our  little  spire  still  blinks 

With  day's  last  golden  sparkling. 
How  still  and  sacred  all  around  ! 
Where  shall  a  church  like  ours  be  found  ? 

Krummacher. 


0  Licht,  geboren  am  dem,  Lichte. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  C.  "W.  Shields. 

0  holy  light,  of  light  engendered, 
0  glorious  Sun  of  righteousness, 

Again  as  erst  from  chaos  rendered, 
Thou  dost  our  waking  vision  bless ; 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  165 

Thanks  and  adoration  ! 
Well  a  new  oblation 

Such  new  grace  beseems  ; 
Gift  of  sinful  spirits, 
Purge  it  by  thy  merits 

In  thy  cleansing  beams. 

Now  let  the  glory  of  thy  dawning 

On  our  benighted  souls  arise ; 
Where'er  thou  shinest,  Star  of  Morning, 
The  gloom  of  sin  and  sorrow  flies. 
See,  0  Lord,  we  wander ; 
Darkened  paths  we  ponder, 
Lost  from  Wisdom's  way. 
Oh,  dispel  our  terror, 
And  this  night  of  error 
Turn  to  glorious  day. 


166  SACRED     LYRICS 


GOD   WITH  OS. 

Gott  mit  tins,  Immanuel. 
Translated  by  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Dunv. 

God  with  us  !  Immanuel ! 

Open  with  the  }rear  before  us, 
Thy  treasury  where  blessings  dwell, 

And  their  fulness  scatter  o'er  us. 
Source  of  good  !  make  us  to  know 
Whence  our  daily  comforts  flow. 

Bless  the  body  and  the  soul, 

Oh,  thou  source  of  every  blessing ! 

Every  anxious  fear  control, 

Lead  us  still  thy  grace  possessing, 

Where  thy  foot  in  mercy  treads, 

Where  thy  hand  its  bounty  sheds. 

Let  our  every  act  be  blest, — 
Our  incoming  and  outgoing, 

May  thine  eye  upon  us  rest, 
Still  the  path  to  glory  showing. 

We  our  need  of  grace  confess : 

Let  thy  grace,  Lord,  give  success. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  167 

Make  us  seek  our  heavenly  home, 
Here  on  earth  let  concord  flourish ; 

And  though  evil  days  should  come, 
Let  e'en  them  our  graces  nourish. 

Let  the  city  and  the  state, 

Through  "thy  gentleness"  be  "great." 

Lord,  thy  covenant  seal  impress 
On  the  year  thy  love  is  sending ; 

With  divine  protection  bless 

Its  beginning,  midst,  and  ending. 

Hear  our  humble  prayer,  and — then, 

Thyself  pronounce  the  glad  Amen. 

B.  Schmolke,  died  1737. 


ftKMKMBIlt  MB. 

Gedenhe  mein,  mein  Gott  ! 

"  Remember  me,  my  God  !  remember  me. 
In  hour  of  deepest  woe ; 

Thou  art  my  only  hope,  my  only  plea, 
Against  the  accusing  foe. 


168  SACRED     LYRICS 

Oh,  shew  me  now  thy  full  salvation 
Oh,  hear  my  dying  supplication  ! 

Remember  me!" 

"  I  think  on  thee,  believer  !  tremble  not, 

Thy  Saviour  still  is  near : 
Here  is  my  cross,  my  blood  to  cleanse  each  spot, 

My  promises  to  cheer. 
Is  not  my  love  unchanged,  unshaken  ? 
How  shall  mine  own  be  e'er  forsaken  ? 

I  think  on  thee!" 

"  Remember  me  !  man's  help  can  nought  avail 

In  the  dark  valley's  shade ; 
My  strength  must  faint,  my  flesh  and  heart  must  fail, 

Oh  !  haste  thou  to  mine  aid  ! 
Silence  and  darkness  o'er  me  stealing, 
Oh,  be  thou  still  thyself  revealing, — 

Remember  me  ! " 

"  I  think  on  thee  !  soon  in  the  better  land 
Thou  shalt  with  me  rejoice ; 

The  harps  of  heaven  are  waiting  for  thy  hand, 
The  chorus  for  thy  voice  : 

The  angel  bands  are  round  thee  bending, 

Thy  parting  spirit  close  attending, — 

I  think  on  thee!" 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  169 

"  Remember  me  !  by  thine  own  hour  of  pain, 

Appear  in  mine  to  save  ! 
Smooth  for  my  rest  the  couch  where  thou  hast  lain, 

The  pillow  of  the  grave ; 
And  while  the  years  of  time  are  flying, 
In  that  lone  place  of  darkness  lying, — 

Remember  me ! " 

*  I  think  on  thee  !  thine  own  Redeemer  lives, 

Thy  hope  shall  not  be  vain ; 
When  the  last  trump  its  solemn  summons  gives, 

Thou  shalt  arise  again. 
Now,  go  in  peace,  securely  sleeping, 
Thy  dust  is  safe  in  angels'  keeping, — 

I  think  on  thee  ! " 

"  Remember  me,  and  the  afflicted  band 

Whom  I  must  leave  behind  ! 
Pour  consolation  from  thine  own  rich  hand 

On  mourning  heart  and  mind. 
Oh,  hear  this  one,  this  last  petition, 
Then  shall  I  go  in  glad  submission, — 

Remember  me ! " 

"  I  think  on  thee  !  with  that  sad  band  of  love 

I  will  in  mercy  deal; 
My  tender  sympathy  their  souls  shall  prove 

My  Spirit's  power  to  heal. 


170  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  long-sought  bliss  shall  yet  be  given. 
The  lost  of  earth  are  found  in  heaven, — 

I  think  on  thee!" 


CHORUS    OF   THE    CHURCH. 

"Now,  sweetly  sleep!  angels  thy  soul  receive, 
And  bear  to  Jesus'  breast ! 

Long  in  our  hearts  thy  memory  shall  live, 
Here  let  thy  body  rest. 

Secure  from  earthly  pain  and  sorrow, 

Till  dawns  the  resurrection  morrow. 

Now,  sweetly  sleep!" 


MY  GOD!  I  OOW  TEAT  I  MUST  DIE. 

Mein  Gott  !  ich  iceiss  tcohl  dass  ich  sterbc. 

My  God  !  I  know  that  I  must  die, 
My  mortal  life  is  passing  hence, 

On  earth  I  neither  hope  nor  try 
To  find  a  lasting  residence. 

Then  teach  me  by  thy  heavenly  grace, 

With  joy  and  peace  my  death  to  face. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  171 

My  God  !  I  know  not  when  I  die, 
What  is  the  moment,  or  the  hour, 

How  soon  the  clay  may  broken  lie, 
How  quickly  pass  away  the  flower ; 

Then  may  thy  child  prepared  be 

Through  time  to  meet  Eternity. 

My  God  !  I  know  not  how  I  die, 
For  death  has  many  ways  to  come, 

In  dark  mysterious  agony, 
Or  gently  as  a  sleep  to  some. 

Just  as  thou  wilt !  if  but  I  be 

For  ever  blessed,  Lord,  with  thee. 

My  God !  I  know  not  where  I  die, 

Where  is  my  grave,  beneath  what  strand, 

Yet  from  its  gloom  I  do  rely 
To  be  delivered  by  thy  hand. 

Content,  I  take  what  spot  is  mine, 

Since  all  the  earth,  my  Lord,  is  thine. 

My  gracious  God  !  when  I  must  die, 

Oh,  bear  my  happy  soul  above, 
With  Christ,  my  Lord,  eternally 

To  share  thy  glory  and  thy  love  ! 
Then  comes  it  right  and  well  to  me, 
When,  where,  and  how  my  death  shall  be. 

B.  Schmolke,  died  1737. 


172  SACRED     LYRICS 


-1  MOTHERS  PRAYEft  IH  THE  SIGHT. 

Dunkel  ist's.     Des  Lebens  Unite  Tone. 

Darkness  reigns — the  hum  of  life's  commotion 
On  the  listening  ear  no  longer  breaks ; 

Stars  are  shining  on  the  deep  blue  ocean, 
All  is  silent,  Love  alone  awakes. 

Love  on  earth  its  lonely  vigils  keeping, 

Love  in  heaven  that  rests  or  slumbers  not ; 

Peace,  my  anxious  heart !  though  thou  wert  sleeping, 
Love  divine  has  ne'er  its  charge  forgot. 

And  for  you,  my  brightest  earthly  flowers, 
You,  my  children,  Love  divine  has  cared  ! 

Sleep,  beloved  ones  !  through  these  dark  hours 
Angels  by  your  pillow  watch  and  guard. 

Here  the  winged  messengers  of  heaven, 

As  beheld  at  Bethel,  come  and  go, 
Angel  guardians,  whom  the  Lord  has  given 

To  each  little  one  while  here  below. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  173 

Thou,  0  Saviour,  while  on  earth  residing, 
Never  didst  thou  scorn  a  mother's  prayer, 

Faith  may  still  behold  thee  here  abiding, 
Still  commend  her  treasures  to  thy  care. 

Were  not  all  my  hope  on  thee  reposing, 

Thou  sole  refuge  for  a  sinner's  fears, 
Then,  the  future  all  its  ills  disclosing, 

I  could  give  my  children  only  tears. 

From  their  earthly  parents  they  inherit 

Nought  save  sin  and  weakness,  grief  and  pain, — 

Give  them,  Lord,  thine  all  sufficient  merit, 
Spiritual  birth  and  life  again. 

Hide  and  guard  them  in  thy  tender  arms, 

Till  the  wilderness  of  life  be  past ; 
Save  them  from  temptation's  fatal  charms, 

Seal  them  for  thine  own,  from  first  to  last ! 

Let  thy  rod  and  staff  in  mercy  lead  them 

In  the  footsteps  of  thy  flock  below, 
Till  'mid  heavenly  pastures  thou  shalt  feed  them, 

Where  the  streams  of  life  eternal  flow. 

Meta.  Hausser — Schweitzer,  born  1798. 


174  SACRED     LYRICS 


tee  mm  gqqbxigst. 

Ich/ahr  dahin  mit  Freuden. 

I  journey  forth  rejoicing, 

From  this  dark  vale  of  tears, 

To  heavenly  joy  and  freedom, 
From  earthly  bonds  and  fears  : 

Where  Christ  our  Lord  shall  gather 
All  his  redeemed  again, 

His  kingdom  to  inherit, — 

Goodnight,  till  then ! 

Go  to  thy  quiet  resting, 

Poor  tenement  of  clay  ! 
From  all  thy  pain  and  weakness 

I  gladly  haste  away  ; 
But  still  in  faith  confiding 

To  find  thee  yet  again, 
All  glorious  and  immortal, — 

Goodnight,  till  then ! 

Why  thus  so  sadly  weeping, 
Beloved  ones  of  my  heart  ? 

The  Lord  is  good  and  gracious, 
Though  now  he  bids  us  part. 


FROM     THE     GERM  AN.  17-") 

Oft  have  we  met  in  gladness, 
And  we  shall  meet  again, 
All  sorrow  left  behind  us, — 

Goodnight,  till  then  ! 

I  go  to  see  His  glory, 

Whom  we  have  loved  below ; 
I  go,  the  blessed  angels, 

The  holy  saints  to  know. 
Our  lovely  ones  departed, 

I  go  to  find  again, 
And  wait  for  you  to  join  us, — 

Goodnight,  till  then ! 

I  hear  the  Saviour  calling, 

The  joyful  hour  has.  come, 
The  angel-guards  are  ready 

To  guide  me  to  our  home ; 
Where  Christ  our  Lord  shall  gather 

All  his  redeemed  again, 
His  kingdom  to  inherit, — 

Goodnight,  till  then ! 


176  SACRED     LYRICS 


BIFSHTAHei. 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

Repent  ! — nor  still  delay 
From  one  year  to  another : 

Death  may,  at  any  hour, 
Blast  all  thy  hopes  together : 

And,  after  death,  will  God 

His  wrath  for  sin  display  ; 

0  sinner,  think  of  this ! 

Repent,  without  delay  ! 

Repent ! — nor  still  delay 
Till  life's  late  sands  are  gliding : 
Thou  canst  not  know  that  age 
Will  find  thee  here  abiding : 
Life  now  its  light  affords, 
But  short  its  longest  day — 
Ere  noon  how  often  quenched  ! 
Repent,  without  delay  ! 

Repent ! — nor  still  delay 
Till  on  a  death-bed  lying : 

Is  this  a  work  to  do 
When  panting,  struggling,  dying  ? 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  177 

What  pains  and  fears  will  then 
Thy  trembling  soul  dismay  ! 
Break  now  the  cords  of  sin  ! 
Repent,  without  delay ! 

Repent ! — nor  still  delay 
Till  youthful  joys  are  ended  : 

Why  should  thy  prime  of  life 
In  folly  be  expended  ? 

The  young  die  too,  and  then 

Who  shall  God's  judgment  stay  ? 

Be  wise  while  yet  there's  time ! 

Repent,  without  delay  ! 

Repent ! — no  more  delay  ! 
All  hope  will  soon  be  over, 

Let  sin's  deceit  no  more 
From  thee  thy  ruin  cover  ! 

Whoso  the  flesh  and  world, 

And  Satan  will  obey, 

Must  hopeless  sink  to  hell : 

Repent,  without  delay  ! 

Repent ! — no  more  delay  ! 
While  space  to  thee  is  suffered, 

Let  prayer  before  thy  God, 
With  grief  for  sin,  be  offered. 


12 


178  SACRED     LYRICS 

If  thus,  in  Jesus'  name, 
For  grace  thou  wilt  not  pray, 
Thy  soul's  for  ever  lost. 
Repent,  without  dela}' ! 

Repent ! — no  more  delay  ! 

Live  now  for  God  and  heaven ! 
Avow,  with  heart  sincere, 

"  My  all  to  God  is  given  : 
On  Jesus  rests  my  hope, 
He  is  my  only  stay ! " 
How  blest  would  be  thy  soul ! 
Repent,  without  delay  ! 


Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

What  meanest  thou  my  soul, 
In  hopeless  sorrow  weeping  : 

Through  consciousness  of  guilt. 
In  fear  and  anguish  keeping? 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  179 

So  grievous  is  the  load 
Thy  sins  upon  thee  bind, 
That  peace  or  comfort,  none 
Thy  troubled  thoughts  can  find. 

Full  just  is  all  the  charge 
'Gainst  thee  by  conscience  spoken, 

Thy  God  thou  hast  despised, 
His  holy  law  hast  broken ; 

Thy  false  and  evil  ways 

Are  open  to  his  view  ; 

Thou  hast  deserved  to  die ; 

'Tis  all,  alas  !  too  true. 

Thy  sins  have  no  excuse, 
And  yet,  Wilt  thou  receive  it  ? 

God,  in  his  word  of  truth, 
Commands  thee  to  believe  it, 

That  just  as  true  and  sure 

As  thy  repented  guilt, 

So  sure  it  is,  that  Christ 

For  thee  his  blood  has  spilt. 

Though  sinners  he  would  save, 
God's  claims  he  well  asserted  ; 

Did  what  we  ne'er  could  do, 
Our  wills  are  so  perverted  ; 


180  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  Law  we  had  despised 
He  honoured  and  obeyed, 
Bore  too  its  threatened  curse, 
And  suffered  in  our  stead. 

And  through  his  merits  now, 
Of  God's  mere  sovereign  favour, 

By  faith  we're  justified, 
So  that  how  deep  soever 

The  wounds  that  sin  inflicts, 
They  cannot  deadly  be, 
Since  Jesus,  by  his  death, 
From  guilt  has  set  us  free. 

Fears  I  may  well  dismiss, 
The  power  of  hell  contemning ; 

Wilt  thou  still  doubt,  my  soul, 
Thyself  to  wrath  condemning  ? 
Yet  God,  who  by  his  word 
Would  all  my  fears  relieve, 
Is  greater  far  than  thou, 
His  word  cannot  deceive. 

Send  now  thy  Spirit,  Lord, 
With  mercy  and  with  power, 

That  I,  in  hope  and  love, 
May  onward,  upward  tower  : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  18] 

Since  thou  my  soul  hast  washed 
From  dead  works  by  thy  blood, 
Give  me  by  faith  to  live. 
And  work  the  works  of  God  ! 

Give  strength,  victorious  King, 
That,  in  thy  steps  pursuing, 

Satan,  the  world,  and  flesh, 
And  all  their  rage,  subduing, 

I  too  may  victory  gain  : 

Nor  let  my  spirit  dread 

The  wrath  my  sins  deserve, 

For  I  to  sin  am  dead. 


ttOPB  IX  GOD'S  MSRGY. 

Aus  tiefer  Noth  tckreP  ick  bu  dir. 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

From  deep  distress  to  thee  I  pray, 
0  God,  hear  my  entreaty  ! 

Turn  not  thy  face  from  me  away, 
But  show  thy  tender  pity  : 


182  SACRED     LYRICS 

As  Judge,  shouldst  thou  my  deeds  regard. 
In  justice  weighing  due  award, 
How  could  I  stand  the  trial ! 

With  thee  should  mercy  not  prevail 
To  show  to  man  thy  favour, 

His  every  act  his  guilt  would  swell, 
Vain  were  his  best  endeavour. 

His  goodness  in  its  utmost  length, 

Reveals  his  utter  want  of  strength, — 
He  must  rely  on  mercy. 

On  God  alone,  and  on  his  grace, 

Can  I  securely  rest  me  ; 
He  sees  my  heart,  he  heals  distress, 

To  him,  then,  why  not  trust  me  ? 
He  owns  a  Father's  name,  and  knows 
The  full  amount  of  human  woes — 

On  him  be  my  reliance  ! 

Should  comfort  seem  afar  to  keep, 
I'll  not  sink  down  despairing ; 

They  who  in  godly  sorrow  weep 
Shall  find  a  gracious  hearing ; 

Thus  Christians  do,  and  they  are  blest 

In  God,  their  confidence  and  rest, 
Their  comfort,  and  Redeemer. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  183 

Many  and  great  my  sins,  I  own, 

But  greater  God's  free  mercies  : 
From  wrath  I  flee  to  his  dear  Son, 

Who  bore  for  me  its  curses  : 
And  he  will  be  my  Shepherd,  too, 
Will  all  my  troubles  guide  me  through, 

To  rest  with  him  in  glory. 

M.  Luther,  died  1546. 


ceeist  otra  eg«. 

So  hub'  ich  mm  den  Fels  erreichet. 
Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

I  now  have  found  the  Rock  of  ages, 

And,  with  it,  all  that  soul  would  crave ; 
This  Rock,  unmoved  when  tempest  rages, 

This  Rock,  from  which  the  swollen  wave 
With  broken  billows  back  is  rolling, 
When  storms  from  hell's  abyss  were  howling, 

Received  me  to  its  sheltering  cleft. 
My  soul,  dismiss  all  doubt  and  terror, 
Thy  faith  is  no  delusive  error, 

Here  safe  retreat  for  thee  is  left. 


184  SACRED     LYRICS 

Oppressed  with  guilt  of  sins  so  many, 

My  soul  was  like  the  troubled  sea ; 
Nor  help  for  me  appeared  there  any, 

But  dark  despair  awaited  me. 
While  conscience,  for  my  sins  accusing, 
All  hope  of  light  or  life  refusing, 

Disclosed  the  world  of  woe  beneath, 
As  one  that's  tossed  on  ocean's  surges, 
Where  each  to  ruin  onward  urges, 

I  struggled  on  the  brink  of  death. 


On  me,  when  now  all  hope  was  dying, 

The  Saviour  looked ;  nor  stood  apart : 
He  heard  my  voice  for  mercy  crying, 

And  pity  moved  his  tender  heart : 
To  me  his  wounded  body  showing, 
And  from  the  wounds  his  life's  blood  flowing, 

He  cried — "  Come,  weary  sinner,  come  ! 
I  am  the  rock  for  sinners  riven, 
No  refuge  else  for  thee  is  given, 

Haste  !  for  thy  shelter  here  is  room  ! " 

What  life  and  peace  my  spirit  borrows, 

Rock  of  my  strength,  what  joys  from  thee ! 

Where  now  is  gone  that  flood  of  sorrows  ? 
Lo !  backward  roll  its  waves  from  me. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  185 

Now  finds  my  soul,  to  its  full  measure, 
In  thee  its  paradise  of  pleasure ; 

What  pure  delights  my  bosom  fill ! 
Of  all  the  bliss  I  share  before  thee, 
I  deeply  feel  I'm  all  unworthy, 

Yet  thankful  take  it :  such  thy  will. 

Let  then  the  angry  winds  be  roaring ! 

Let  sea  and  sky  their  fury  wage  ! 
The  floods  of  Death  their  storm  be  pouring, 

And  Satan  double  all  his  rage  ! 
All  this  but  little  can  alarm  me, 
My  Rock  secures  that  nothing  harm  me, 
Though  darkness  all  my  prospect  hide. 
Let  sink  with  fear  both  hill  and  mountain, 
My  Rock  will  stand ;  a  ceaseless  fountain 

Of  life  still  flowing  from  its  side. 


186  SACRED     LYRICS 


Geht  nun  hin  und  grabt  rnein  Grab. 

Go  and  dig  my  grave  to-day  ! 

Weary  of  my  wanderings  all, 
Now  from  earth  I  pass  away, 

For  the  heavenly  peace  doth  call; 
Angel  voices  from  above 
Call  me  to  their  rest  and  love. 

Go  and  dig  my  grave  to-day  ! 

Homeward  doth  my  journe}r  tend, 
And  I  lay  my  staff  away 

Here  where  all  things  earthly  end, 
And  I  lay  my  weary  head 
In  the  only  painless  bed. 

What  is  there  I  yet  should  do, 
Lingering  in  this  darksome  vale  ? 

Proud,  and  mighty,  fair  to  view, 
Are  our  schemes,  and  yet  they  fail, 

Like  the  sand  before  the  wind, 

That  no  power  of  man  can  bind. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  187 

Farewell  earth  then ;  I  am  glad 

That  in  peace  I  now  depart. 
For  thy  very  joys  are  sad, 

And  thy  hopes  deceive  the  heart ; 
Fleeting  is  thy  beauty's  gleam, 
False  and  changing  as  a  dream. 

And  to  you  a  last  good  night, 

Sun  and  moon  and  stars  so  dear ; 
Farewell  all  }rour  golden  light; 

I  am  travelling  far  from  here, 
To  the  splendors  of  that  day 
Where  ye  all  must  fade  away. 

Farewell,  0  ye  much-loved  friends  ! 

Grief  hath  smote  you  as  a  sword, 
But  the  Comforter  descends 

Unto  them  who  love  the  Lord. 
Weep  not  o'er  a  passing  show, 
To  the  eternal  world  I  go. 

Weep  not  that  I  take  my  leave 

Of  the  world ;  that  I  exchange 
Errors  that  too  closely  cleave, 

Shadows,  empty  ghosts  that  range 
Through  this  world  of  nought  and  night, 
For  a  land  of  truth  and  lisbt. 


188  SACRED     LYRICS 

Weep  not,  dearest  to  my  heart, 

For  1  find  my  Saviour  near, 
And  I  know  that  I  have  part 

In  the  pains  he  suffered  here, 
When  he  shed  his  sacred  blood 
For  the  whole  world's  highest  good. 

Weep  not,  my  Redeemer  lives ; 

Heavenward  springing  from  the  dust, 
Clear-eyed  hope  her  comfort  gives ; 

Faith,  heaven's  champion,  bids  us  trust; 
Love  eternal  whispers  nigh, 
"  Child  of  God,  fear  not  to  die  !" 

E.  M.  Arndt,  born  1769. 


GMTisd  era  garbs  oh  @.m. 

Was  von  aussen  und  von  innen. 

What  within  me  and  without, 
Hourly  on  my  spirit  weighs, 

Burdening  heart  and  soul  with  doubt, 
Darkening  all  my  weary  days  : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  189 

la  it  I  behold  thy  will, 

God,  who  givest  rest  and  peace, 
And  my  heart  is  calm  and  still, 

Waiting  till  thou  send  release. 

God  !  thou  art  my  rock  of  strength, 

And  my  home  is  in  thine  arms; 
Thou  wilt  send  me  help  at  length, 

And  I  feel  no  wild  alarms. 
Sin  nor  Death  can  pierce  the  shield 

Thy  defence  has  o'er  me  thrown, 
Up  to  thee  myself  I  yield, 

And  my  sorrows  are  thine  own. 

When  my  trials  tarry  long, 

Unto  thee  I  look  and  wait, 
Knowing  none,  though  keen  and  strong. 

Can  my  trust  in  thee  abate. 
And  this  faith  I  long  have  nurst, 

Comes  alone,  0  God,  from  thee ; 
Thou  my  heart  didst  open  first, 

Thou  didst  set  this  hope  in  me. 

Christians  !  cast  on  him  your  load, 

To  your  tower  of  refuge  fly ; 
Know  he  is  the  living  God, 

Ever  to  his  creatures  ni^h. 


190  SACRED     LYRICS 

Seek  his  ever-open  door 

In  your  hours  of  utmost  need  ; 

All  your  hearts  before  him  pour, 
He  will  send  you  help  with  speed. 

But  hast  thou  some  darling  plan, 

Cleaving  to  the  things  of  earth  ? 
Leanest  thou  for  aid  on  man  ? 

Thou  wilt  find  him  nothing  worth. 
Rather  trust  the  One  alone 

Whose  is  endless  power  and  love, 
And  the  help  he  gives  his  own, 

Thou  in  very  deed  shalt  prove. 

On  thee,  0  my  God,  I  rest, 

Letting  life  float  calmly  on, 
For  I  know  the  last  is  best, 

When  the  crown  of  joy  is  won. 
In  thy  might  all  things  I  bear, 

In  thy  love  find  bitters  sweet, 
And  with  all  my  grief  and  care 

Sit  in  patience  at  thy  feet. 

0  my  soul,  why  art  thou  vexed  ? 

Let  things  go  e'en  as  they  will ; 
Though  to  thee  they  seem  perplexed. 

Yet  His  order  they  fulfil. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  191 

Here  he  is  thy  strength  and  guard, 
Power  to  harm  thee  here  has  none , 

Yonder  will  he  each  reward 

For  the  works  he  here  has  done. 

Let  thy  mercy's  wings  he  spread 

O'er  me,  keep  me  close  to  thee, 
In  the  peace  thy  love  doth  shed, 

Let  me  dwell  eternally. 
Be  my  All ;  in  all  I  do 

Let  me  only  seek  thy  will, 
Where  the  heart  to  thee  is  true, 

All  is  peaceful,  calm,  and  still. 

A.  H.  Francke,  died  1727. 


THERE  REJimETK  1  REST, 

Es  iet  noch  eine  Euh  vorhanden. 

Yes,  there  remaineth  yet  a  rest ! 

Arise,  sad  heart,  that  darkly  pines, 
By  heavy  care  and  pain  opprest, 

On  whom  no  sun  of  gladness  shines 


192  SACRED     LYRICS 

Look  to  the  Lamb  !  in  yon  bright  fields 
Thou'lt  know  the  joy  his  presence  yields  ; 
Cast  off  thy  load  and  thither  haste ; 

Soon  shalt  thou  fight  and  bleed  no  more, 
Soon,  soon  thy  weary  course  be  o'er, 
And  deep  the  rest  thou  then  shalt  taste — 

The  rest  appointed  thee  of  God, 

The  rest  that  nought  shall  break  or  move. 

That  ere  this  earth  by  man  was  trod 
Was  set  apart  for  thee  by  Love. 
Our  Saviour  gave  his  life  to  win 
This  rest  for  thee ;  oh  enter  in  ! 

Hear  how  his  voice  sounds  far  and  wide, 
Ye  weary  souls,  no  more  delay, 
Loiter  not  faithless  by  the  way, 

Here  in  my  peace  and  rest  abide  ! 

Ye  heavy-laden,  come  to  him ! 

Ye  who  are  bent  with  many  a  load, 
Come  from  your  prisons  drear  and  dim, 
Toil  not  thus  sadly  on  your  road  ! 
Ye've  borne  the  burden  of  the  day, 
And  hear  }^e  not  your  Saviour  say, 
I  am  your  refuge  and  your  rest  ? 
His  children  ye,  of  heavenly  birth, 
Howe'er  may  rage  sin,  hell,  or  earth, 
Here  are  ye  safe,  here  calmly  blest. 


13 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  193 

Yonder  in  joy  the  sheaves  we  bring, 

Whose  seed  was  sown  on  earth  in  tears ; 

There  in  our  Father's  house  we  sing 
The  song  too  sweet  for  mortal  ears. 
Sorrow  and  sighing  all  are  past, 
And  pain  and  death  are  fled  at  last, 

There  with  the  Lamb  of  God  we  dwell, 
He  leads  us  to  the  crystal  river, 
He  wipes  away  all  tears  for  ever; 

What  there  is  ours  no  tongue  can  tell. 


Hunger  nor  thirst  can  pain  us  there, 
The  time  of  recompense  is  come, 

Nor  cold  nor  scorching  heat  we  bear, 
Safe  sheltered  in  our  Saviour's  home. 
The  Lamb  is  in  the  midst ;  and  those 
Who  followed  him  through  flame  and  woes, 

Are  crowned  with  honour,  joy,  and  peace. 
The  dry  bones  gather  life  again, 
One  Sabbath  over  all  shall  reign, 

Wherein  all  toil  and  labour  cease. 


There  is  untroubled  calm  and  light, 
No  gnawing  care  shall  mar  our  rest; 

Ye  wreary,  heed  this  word  aright, 

Come,  lean  upon  your  Saviour's  breast. 


194  SACRED     LYRICS 

Fain  would  I  linger  here  no  more, 
Fain  to  yon  happier  world  upsoar, 
And  join  that  bright  expectant  band. 
Oh  raise,  my  soul,  the  joyful  song 
That  rings  through  yon  triumphant  throng 
Thy  perfect  rest  is  nigh  at  hand. 

Kunth,  died  177!'. 


SIGOISS. 

Gott  den  icJt  ah  Liebe  leenne. 

God  !  whom  I  as  Love  have  known, 
Thou  hast  sickness  laid  on  me. 
And  these  pains  are  sent  of  thee, 

Under  which  I  burn  and  moan  ; 

Let  them  burn  away  the  sin, 

That  too  oft  hath  checked  the  love 
Wherewith  thou  my  heart  wouldst  move. 

When  thy  Spirit  works  within  ! 

In  my  weakness  be  thou  strong. 

Be  thou  sweet  when  I  am  sad, 

Let  me  still  in  thee  be  glad, 
Though  my  pains  be  keen  and  lomr. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  19f) 


All  that  plagues  my  body  now, 
All  that  wasteth  me  away, 
Pressing  on  me  night  and  day, 

Love  hath  sent,  for  Love  art  thou ! 

Suffering  is  the  work  now  sent, 
Nothing  can  I  do  but  lie 
Suffering  as  the  hours  go  by ; 

All  my  powers  to  this  are  bent. 

Suffering  is  my  gain ;  I  bow 
To  my  heavenly  Father's  will, 
And  receive  it  hushed  and  still ; 

Suffering  is  my  worship  now. 

God  !  I  take  it  from  thy  hand 

As  a  sign  of  love,  I  know 

Thou  wouldst  perfect  me  through  woe, 
Till  I  pure  before  thee  stand. 
All  refreshment,  all  the  food 

Given  me  for  the  body's  need, 

Comes  from  thee,  who  lovest  indeed, 
Comes  from  thee,  for  thou  art  good. 

Let  my  soul  beneath  her  load 

Faint  not  through  the  o'erwearied  flesh. 

Let  her  hourly  drink  afresh 
Love  and  peace  from  thee,  my  God. 


196  SACRED     LYRICS 

Let  the  body's  pain  and  smart 

Hinder  not  her  flight  to  thee, 

Nor  the  calm  thou  givest  me ; 
Keep  thou  up  the  sinking  heart. 

Grant  me  never  to  complain, 

Make  me  to  thy  will  resigned, 

With  a  quiet,  humble  mind, 
Cheerful  on  my  bed  of  pain. 
In  the  flesh  who  suffers  thus, 

Shall  be  purified  from  sin, 

And  the  soul  renewed  within  ; 
Therefore  pain  is  laid  on  us. 

I  commend  to  thee  my  life, 

And  my  body  to  the  cross ; 

Never  let  me  think  it  loss 
That  I  thus  am  freed  from  strife — 
Wholly  thine ;  my  faith  is  sure 

Whether  life  or  death  be  mine, 

I  am  safe  if  I  am  thine ; 
For  'tis  Love  that  makes  me  pure. 

Richter,  died  171 !, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  11)' 


HEMEHWMB  J0TOH1Y. 

Hlmmelan  yeht  unsre  Bahn. 

Heavenward  doth  our  journey  tend, 
We  are  strangers  here  on  earth, 

Through  the  wilderness  we  wend 
Towards  the  Canaan  of  our  birth. 

Here  we  roam  a  pilgrim  band, 

Yonder  is  our  native  land. 

Heavenward  stretch,  my  soul,  thy  wings, 
Heavenly  nature  canst  thou  claim, 

There  is  nought  of  earthly  things 
Worthy  to  be  all  thine  aim  ; 

Every  soul  whom  God  inspires, 

Back  to  him  its  Source  aspires. 

Heavenward  !  doth  his  Spirit  cry, 
When  I  hear  him  in  his  word, 

Showing  thus  the  rest  on  high, 
Where  I  shall  be  with  my  Lord  : 

When  his  wTord  fills  all  my  thought, 

Oft  to  heaven  my  soul  is  caught. 


198  SACKED     LYRICS 

Heavenward  ever  would  I  haste. 
When  thy  table,  Lord,  is  spread  ; 

Heavenly  strength  on  earth  I  taste, 
Feeding-  on  the  Living  Bread. 

Such  is  e'en  on  earth  our  fare 

Who  thy  marriage  feast  shall  share. 

Heavenwards  !  Faith  discerns  the  prize 

That  is  waiting  us  afar, 
And  my  heart  would  swiftly  rise, 

High  o'er  sun  and  moon  and  star, 
To  that  Light  behind  the  veil 
Where  all  earthly  splendors  pale. 

Heavenward  Death  shall  lead  at  last, 
To  the  home  where  I  would  be. 

All  my  sorrows  overpast, 

I  shall  triumph  there  with  thee, 

Jesus,  who  hast  gone  before. 

That  we  too  might  heavenwards  soar. 

Heavenwards!  Heavenwards!  Onl}r  this 
Is  my  watchword  on  the  earth  ; 

For  the  love  of  heavenly  bliss 
Counting  all  things  little  worth. 

Heavenward  all  my  being  tends, 

Till  in  heaven  my  journey  ends. 

B.    SCHUOLKK,   died    1737. 


FROM     1'HE     GERMAN.  199 


DEATH  Bfl&BE  WELCOME. 

Alle  Jfenschen  m'ussen  sterben. 
Translated  bv  Dr.  Mills. 

All  must  die  !  there's  no  redemption  ; 

Flesh — 't  is  all  alike  but  grass  ! 
None  that  live  can  plead  exemption. 

Saints  through  death  to  glory  pass. 
This  vile  body  here  must  perish, 
Ere  immortal  it  can  cherish 

Holy  joys,  the  free  reward 

For  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord. 

Life  on  earth  can  I  then  covet 

Longer  than  my  God  shall  please  ? 

When  above  he  would  remove  it, 
I  will  greet  the  soul's  release. 

For,  through  what  my  Saviour  suffered. 

Freedom  from  the  curse  is  offered ; 
He  has  promised,  and  to  faith 
Gives  the  victory  over  Death. 

Death — for  me  the  Saviour  bore  it. 

Dying,  won  for  me  the  prize  : 
Life — he  will  in  bliss  restore  it, 

Shall  I  not  then  joyful  rise 


200  SACRED     LYRICS 

From  this  world  of  sin  and  anguish, 
To  that  world  for  which  I  languish, 
There  the  Three  in  One  to  praise, 
With  his  saints  through  endless  days  ? 

Happy  spirits,  ever-living, 

Thousand  thousands  all  as  one, 
Robed  in  light,  their  worship  giving, 

There  rejoice  before  the  throne. 
There  the  seraphim  are  shining, 
Evermore  in  chorus  joining, 

"  Holy  !  Holy  !  Holy  Lord  ! 

Be  thy  holy  name  adored  ! " 

Worthies,  there,  of  sacred  story, 

Prophets,  patriarchs  are  met; 
There,  apostles  too,  in  glory 

Fill  their  thrones  by  Jesus  set ; 
All  the  saints  that  have  ascended 
Age  on  age,  through  time  extended, 

There,  in  blissful  concert  sing 

Hallelujahs  to  their  King. 

0  Jerusalem,  thou  fairest ! 

In  thy  King  how  greatly  blest ! 
Praising,  thou  his  splendor  sharest 

Through  thy  streets  of  holy  rest : 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  201 

Joy  and  peace  in  thee  united, 
By  no  fear  of  change  are  blighted, 

Balm}'  fragrance  cheers  the  day, 

Which  no  night  shall  drive  away. 

Yes  !  methinks  I  now  behold  it, 

That  fair  city  of  delight, 
Now  the  robe — around  me  fold  it, 

Robe  of  dazzling,  purest  white. 
There,  a  crown  of  victory  wearing, 
There,  before  the  throne  appearing, 

Mingle  with  the  heirs  of  bliss, 

Where  Hosannas  never  cease. 

J.  G.  Albi.vus,  died  1(379. 


SUPPORT  U  BBim 

Wann  mein  Stundlein  vorhanden  ist. 
Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

When  now  the  solemn  hour  is  nigh 
That  from  this  world  shall  call  me, 

On  what,  0  Lord,  can  I  rely, 
While  terrors  would  appal  me  ? 


202  SACRED     LYRICS 

My  soul  and  body,  to  the  last, 
I'll  on  thine  arm  of  mercy  cast, — 
'T  is  safe  to  trust  thy  mercy  ! 

My  sins  may  seem  in  number  more, 
While  conscience  shall  recount  them, 

Than  sands  upon  the  ocean-shore, — 
Thy  grace  can  still  surmount  them. 

Ill  think,  dear  Saviour,  of  the  death 

Sustained  by  thee; — and  thus  my  faith 
From  sinking  shall  uphold  me. 

I  am  a  branch  of  thee,  the  Vine ; 

My  strength  from  thee  I  borrow  ; 
Round  thee  my  tendril  hopes  shall  twine 

In  death's  drear  night  of  sorrow  : 
And  when  't  is  over,  thou  wilt  give 
An  endless  life  with  thee  to  live 

In  bliss  thy  sorrows  purchased. 

My  Lord — o'er  death  triumphant — rose, 
From  earth  to  God  ascended  ; 

His  victory  yields  my  heart  repose, 
The  fear  of  death  is  ended  : 

For  where  he  is,  I  too  shall  come, 

And  find  with  him  a  joyful  home  : 
Whv  should  I  fear  to  follow  ? 


F  II  0  M     T  HE     GERMAN.  203 

With  outstretched  arms  I'll  welcome  Christ 

That  he  from  earth  may  take  me  : 
I'll  leave  my  flesh  in  hope  to  rest. 

Till  from  the  grave  he  wake  me  ; 
Hut  Christ  himself  will  go  before, — 
Of  heaven  for  me  throw  wide  the  door, 

And  bless  my  soul  in  glory. 

N.  IIkrmann,  died  1561. 


TSB  MOTS  DEM). 


Oh  how  blessed,  faithful  souls,  are  ye, 

Who  have  passed  through  death;  your  God  ye  see; 

Escaped  at  last 
From  all  the  sorrows  that  yet  hold  us  fast ! 

Here  as  in  a  prison  we  are  bound, 

Care,  and  fear,  and  terrors  hem  us  round, 

And  all  we  know 
It  is  but  toil  and  grief  of  heart  below. 

While  that  ye  are  resting  in  your  home, 
Safe  from  pain,  all  misery  o'ercome, 

No  grief  or  cross 
Mixes  with  yonder  joys  to  work  you  loss. 


204  SACRED     LYRICS 

Christ  doth  wipe  away  your  every  tear, 
Ye  possess  what  we  but  long  for  here, 

To  you  is  sung 
The  song  that  ne'er  through  mortal  ears  hath  rung. 

Who  is  there  that  would  not  gladly  die, 
Changing  earth  for  such  a  home  on  high, 

Or  who  would  stay 
To  toil  amid  these  sorrows  night  and  day  ? 

Come,  0  Christ,  release  us  from  our  post, 
Lead  us  quickly  hence  to  yonder  host, 

Who,  victory  won, 
Now  drink  in  joy  and  bliss  from  thee  our  Sun. 

Simon  Dach.     1650. 


GBE1STI4FS  YIBW  OF  KTERSITY. 

Translated  by  Dr.  Mills. 

I'm  but  a  weary  pilgrim  here. 

Life's  varied  griefs  sustaining ; 
The  ills  I  feel,  and  those  I  fear, 

Would  tempt  me  to  complaining: 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  205 

But  Lord,  the  hopes  of  joys  above 
The  pains  of  pilgrimage  remove, 
Or  give  me  strength  to  bear  them. 

Oft  now,  while  sin  is  plotting  still, 

My  soul  is  filled  with  terrors ; 
How  oft  its  snares  my  heart  beguile  ! 

How  many  are  my  errors! 
But  I  shall  yet  deliverance  see, 
From  sin  and  its  delusions  free, 

In  this  my  soul  rejoices. 

I  see  around  me,  day  by  day, 

Those,  Jesus,  who  despise  thee : 
Their  heart  of  pride  leads  them  astray, 

Thy  honours  it  denies  thee  : 
Their  scorn  and  pride  will  all  be  past, 
When  thou  shalt  come  the  Judge  at  last, 

And  saints  shall  shout  thy  welcome. 

Oft  in  the  silence  of  the  night, 

My  soul  her  griefs  is  sighing; 
And  morn,  with  its  returning  light, 

No  respite  is  supplying : 
One  gleam  of  heaven  relief  bestows, 
That  home  of  rest  no  sorrow  knows, 

But  joys  reign  there  for  ever. 


206  SACRED     LYRICS 

And  when  the  future  gives  alarm 

Of  evils  to  oppress  me  ; 
And  anxious  fears  of  coming  harm 

Thick  gather  to  distress  me ; 
Eternity  makes  time  so  small, 
Its  fleeting  fears  and  sorrows  all 

No  longer  raise  my  terror. 

When  Death,  so  dreaaed  from  afar, 
Comes  nigh,  my  days  to  number, 

That,  free  from  every  earthly  care, 
My  head  may  sink  in  slumber, 

That  peace  and  joy  may  banish  fear, 

Let  then  eternity  appear, 
With  views  of  future  glory. 

Hope,  Lord,  makes  every  burden  light, 
Its  strength  from  thee  it  borrows  : 

That  glory — fit  me  for  its  sight, 
By  all  my  pilgrim  sorrows  ! 

May  it  in  death  my  doubts  dismiss, 

And  form  my  endless  store  of  bliss 
With  thee,  in  life  eternal ! 

C  C  Sti-rm,    died  1786. 


FROM    THE    GERMAN.  207 


tub  must  mnm  iBAET. 

Was  Gott  thut  das  ist  wohlgethan. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right, 

His  will  is  ever  just ; 
Howe'er  he  order  now  my  cause, 
I  will  be  still  and  trust. 
He  is  my  God, 
Though  dark  my  road, 
He  holds  me  that  I  shall  not  fall, 
Wherefore  to  him  I  leave  it  all. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right, 

He  never  will  deceive  ; 
He  leads  me  by  the  proper  path, 
And  so  to  him  I  cleave, 
And  take  content 
What  he  hath  sent ; 
His  hand  can  turn  my  griefs  away, 
And  patiently  I  wait  his  day. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right, 

He  taketh  thought  for  me, 
The  cup  that  my  Physician  gives 
No  poisoned  draught  can  be, 
But  medicine  due  ; 
For  God  is  true, 


205  SACRED    LYRICS 

And  on  that  changeless  truth  I  build, 
And  all  my  heart  with  hope  is  filled. 
Whateei  my  God  ordains  is  right. 

Though  I  the  cup  must  drink 
That  bitter  seems  to  my  faint  heart, 

I  will  not  fear  nor  shrink  ; 
Tears  pass  away 
With  dawn  of  da}'. 
Sweet  comfort  yet  shall  fill  my  heart, 
And  pain  and  sorrow  shall  depart. 

Whate'ei  my  God  ordains  is  right. 

My  Light,  my  Life  is  he, 
Who  cannot  will  me  aught  but  good, 
I  trust  him  utterly  ; 
For  well  I  know, 
In  joy  or  woe. 
We  once  shall  see  as  sunlight  clear 
How  faithful  was  our  Guardian  here. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right. 

Here  will  I  take  my  stand  ; 
Though  sorrow,  need,  or  death  make  earth 
For  me  a  desert  land. 
My  Father's  care 
Is  around  me  there. 
He  holds  me  that  I  shall  not  fall. 
And  so  to  him  I  leave  it  all.  s.  r.-.mgast.  died  1703. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  209 


Til  filOIIMIO. 

Who  are  those  before  God's  throne? 

What  the  crowned  host  I  see  ? 
As  the  sky  with  stars  thick-strown 

Is  their  shining  company  : 
Hallelujahs,  hark,  they  sing, 
Solemn  praise  to  God  they  bring. 

Who  are  those  that  in  their  hands 
Bear  aloft  the  conqueror's  palm, 

As  one  o'er  his  foeman  stands, 
Fallen  beneath  his  mighty  arm  ? 

What  the  war  and  what  the  strife  ? 

Whence  came  such  victorious  life  ? 

Who  are  those  arrayed  in  light, 
Clothed  in  righteousness  divine, 

Wearing  robes  most  pure  and  white, 
That  unstained  shall  ever  shine, 

That  can  nevermore  decay  ? 

Whence  came  all  this  bright  array  ? 


14 


210  SACRED     LYRICS 

They  are  those  who,  strong  in  faith, 
Battled  for  the  mighty  God  ; 

Conquerors  o'er  the  world  and  death, 
Following  not  sin's  crowded  road  ; 

Through  the  Lamb  who  once  was  slain, 

Did  they  such  high  victory  gain. 

They  are  those  who  much  have  borne, 
Trial,  sorrow,  pain,  and  care, 

Who  have  wrestled  night  and  morn 
With  the  mighty  God  in  prayer ; 

Now  their  strife  hath  found  its  close, 

God  hath  turned  away  their  w7oes. 

They  are  branches  of  that  Stem, 
Who  hath  our  Salvation  been, 

In  the  blood  he  shed  for  them, 

Have  they  made  their  raiment  clean; 

Hence  they  wear  such  radiant  dress, 

Clad  in  spotless  holiness. 

They  are  those  who  hourly  here 
Served  as  priests  before  their  Lord, 

Offering  up  wTith  gladsome  cheer 
Soul  and  body  at  his  word. 

Now  within  the  Hoty  Place, 

They  behold  him  face  to  face. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  211 

As  the  harts  at  noonday  pant 

For  the  river  fresh  and  clear, 
Did  their  souls  oft  long  and  faint, 

For  the  Living  Fountain  here. 
Now  their  thirst  is  quenched,  they  dwell 
With  the  Lord  they  loved  so  well. 

Thitherwards  I  stretch  niy  hands, 

0  Lord  Jesus  !  day  by  day, 
In  thy  house  in  these  strange  lands, 

Compassed  round  with  foes,  I  pray, 
Let  me  sink  not  in  the  war, 
Drive  for  me  my  foes  afar. 

Cast  my  lot  in  earth  and  heaven 
With  thy  saints  made  like  to  thee, 

Let  my  bonds  be  also  riven, 

Make  thy  child  who  loves  thee  free; 

Near  the  throne  where  thou  dost  shine, 

May  a  place  at  last  be  mine. 

Ah  !  that  bliss  can  ne'er  be  told, 

When  with  all  that  army  bright, 
Thee,  my  Sun,  I  shall  behold, 

Light  diffusing  from  thy  light. 
Amen  !  thanks  be  brought  to  thee, 
Praise  through  all  eternity. 

Schknk,  died   1727. 


212  SACRED     LYRICS 


Til  RE8URRKCTI0H. 

Jems  meine  Zurerstcht. 

Jesus,  iny  eternal  trust, 

And  my  Saviour,  ever  liveth  : 

This  I  know;  and  deep  and  just 
Is  the  peace  this  knowledge  giveth, 

Though  death's  lingering  night  may  start 

Many  a  question  in  my  heart. 

Jesus  lives  eternally ; 

I  shall  also  live  in  him, 
Where  my  Saviour  is  shall  be. 

What  can  make  this  bright  hope  dim  ? 
Will  the  Head  one  member  lose, 
Nor  through  each  its  life  diffuse? 

Hope's  strong  chain  around  me  bound, 
Still  shall  twine  my  Saviour  grasping : 

And  my  hand  of  faith  be  found 
As  death  left  it,  Jesus  clasping : 

No  assault  the  foe  can  make, 

Shall  that  deathless  clasp  e'er  break ! 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  213 

1  am  flesh,  and  therefore  duly 

Dust  and  ashes  must  become ; 
This  I  know,  but  know  as  truly, 

He  will  wake  me  from  the  tomb, 
That  with  him,  whate'er  betide, 
I  may  evermore  abide ! 

God  himself  in  that  blest  place, 

Shall  a  glorious  body  give  me ; 
I  shall  see  his  blissful  face, 

To  his  heavens  he  will  receive  me  : 
To  his  joyful  presence  raise, 
Ever  upon  Christ  to  gaze ! 

Then  these  eyes  my  Lord  shall  know, 

My  Redeemer  and  m}'  Brother ; 
In  his  love  my  soul  shall  glow, — 

I  myself,  and  not  another ! 
Then  from  this  rejoicing  heart, 
Every  weakness  shall  depart. 

What  is  weak  or  maimed  below, 

There  shall  be  made  strong  and  free ; 

Earthly  is  the  seed  we  sow, 
Heavenly  shall  the  harvest  be  : 

Nature  here,  and  sin ;  but  there, 

Spiritual  all  and  fair ! 


214  SACRED     LYRICS 

Thrill  my  mortal  frame  with  gladness, 
Fear  not  though  thy  vigour  wane, 

Give  not  any  place  to  sadness, 
Christ  shall  raise  the  dead  again, 

When  shall  sound  the  trump  of  doom, 

Piercing,  rending,  every  tomb  ! 

Smile,  then,  that  cold  dark  grave  scorning, 
Smile  at  death  and  hell  together ; 

Through  the  free  air  of  the  morning, 
To  your  Saviour  ye  shall  gather ; 

All  infirmity  and  woe, 

?Xeath  your  feet  then  lying  low. 

Only  raise  your  souls  above 

Pleasures  in  which  earth  delighteth; 

Give  your  hearts  to  him  in  love 
To  whom  death  so  soon  uniteth  ; 

Thither  oft  in  spirit  flee 

Where  ye  would  for  ever  be. 

by  the  Electress  LoriSA  Henrietta  of  Brandenburg,  died  1667. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  215 


THS  DAY  OF  JUMMEHT. 

Translated  by  the  Rev.  C.  W.  Shields. 

When  the  solid  earth  is  quaking, 
And  the  dead  to  life  are  waking, 
And  the  dust  immortal  vigour  feels, 
While  the  resurrection  trumpet  peals  : 
Lamb  of  God  !  have  mercy  ! 

When  with  crashing  thunders  riven, 
Mighty  Maker,  all  thy  heaven 

And  the  peopled  globe  are  in  a  blaze ; 

And  we  trembling  from  the  ruins  gaze  : 
Lamb  of  God  !  have  mercy  i 

When  on  radiant  clouds  descending, 
Thousand,  thousand  hosts  attending, 
Judge  of  mortals,  throned  in  terror  there, 
Doom  of  sinners  thou  dost  sternly  swear  : 
Lamb  of  God  !  have  mercy  ! 

When  entranced  in  joy  and  trembling, 
All  the  kindreds  undissemblin£ 


216  SACRED     LYRICS 

Stand  and  read  thy  judgment-speaking  face, 
Quailing  or  emboldened  at  its  gaze  : 
Lamb  of  God  !  have  mercy  ! 

When,  too,  I  shall  bow  before  thee 
Called  to  meet  thy  dreadful  glory, 
Upward  fearing  e'en  to  lift  mine  eyes, 
While  within  me  all  my  spirit  dies : 
Lamb  of  God  !  have  mercy  ! 


TIB  JOYS  OF  SEMES. 

Ach  Jesus  icie  so  schon. 

0  Christ  !  how  good  and  fair 
Will  be  my  portion  where 
Thine  eyes  on  me  shall  rest, 
And  make  me  fully  blest, 
When  from  this  narrow  earth 
To  thee  I  shall  spring  forth  ! 

What  joy,  unmixed  and  full, 
Thou  Treasure  of  the  soul, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  217 

When,  in  that  home  above, 
Thy  heart  speaks  out  its  love 
To  all  made  one  with  thee — 
My  brothers,  Lord,  and  me  ! 

What  glorious  light  will  shine 
Forth  from  thy  face  divine, 
Which  in  that  life  untold, 
Then  first  I  shall  behold  ! 
How  will  thy  goodness  free 
Fill  me  with  ecstasy  ! 

Lips,  whence  such  words  have  streamed  ! 
Eyes,  whence  such  pity  beamed ! 
Side,  wounded  once  for  me  ! 
AH,  all  I  then  shall  see ! 
With  reverent  rapture  greet 
Thy  pierced  hands  and  feet ! 

Ah,  Jesus,  my  "  good  part ! " 
How  will  my  mind  and  heart 
Vibrate  with  rapture  through, 
And  all  my  soul  grow  new, 
When  thou,  with  smiles  of  love, 
Openest  those  gates  above  ! 

"  Come,"  thou  wilt  say,  "blest  child  ! 
Taste  pleasures  undefined, 


218  SACRED     LYRICS 

And  see  the  gifts,  how  fair, 
My  Father's  hands  prepare ; 
Pasture  thine  heart  for  ever 
In  joy  that  fadeth  never." 

0  thou  poor,  passing  earth  ! 
What  are  thy  treasures  worth 
Beside  those  heavenly  crowns 
And  more  than  golden  thrones, 
Which  Christ  hath  treasured  there 
For  those  who  please  him  here? 

This  is  the  angels'  land, 
Where  all  the  blessed  stand ; 
Here  I  hear  nought  but  singing, 
See  all  with  gladness  springing 
Here  is  no  cross,  no  sorrow, 
No  parting  on  the  morrow  ! 

When  shall  that  joy  begin  ? 
When  wilt  thou  call  me  in? 
Thou  knowest !  but  my  feet 
Press  onward  thee  to  meet ; 
And  my  heart,  day  by  day, 
Bears  me  to  thee  away. 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1671 


FROM      THE     GERMAN.  219 


MOBBING  HYMH. 

Once  more  from  rest  I  rise  again, 
To  greet  a  day  of  toil  and  pain, 

My  heaven-appointed  lot ; 
Unknowing  what  new  grief  may  be 
With  this  new  day  in  store  for  me, 

But  it  shall  harm  me  not 
I  know  full  well ;  my  loving  God 
Will  suffer  not  a  hurtful  load. 

My  burden  every  day  is  new, 
But  every  day  my  God  is  true, 

And  all  my  cares  hath  borne; 
Ere  eventide  can  no  man  know 
What  day  hath  brought  of  joy  or  woe, 

And  though  it  seem  each  morn 
To  some  new  path  of  suffering  call, 
With  God  I  can  surmount  it  all. 

Since  this  I  know,  oh  wherefore  sink, 
My  faithless  heart?  And  why  dost  shrink 


220  SACRED     LYRICS 

To  take  thy  load  again  ? 
Bear  what  thou  canst,  God  bears  thy  lot, 
The  Lord  of  all,  he  stumbleth  not ; 

Pure  blessing  shalt  thou  gain, 
If  thou  with  him  right  onward  go, 
Nor  fear  to  tread  the  path  of  woe. 

My  heart  grows  strong,  all  fear  must  fly 
Whene'er  I  feel  thy  love,  Most  High, 

Doth  compass  me  around  ; 
But  would  I  have  thee  for  my  shield, 
No  more  to  sin  my  soul  must  yield 

But  in  thy  wa}'s  be  found ; 
Thou  God  wilt  never  walk  with  me, 
If  I  would  turn  aside  from  thee. 

Dear  Lord,  let  me  thy  guidance  find, 
I  follow  with  a  contrite  mind, 

Oh,  make  me  true  and  pure ; 
As  a  good  soldier  I  will  fight 
This  world  of  sin,  and  in  thy  might 

My  victory  is  sure; 
Then  bravely  I  can  meet  each  day, 
And  fear  it  not,  come  what  come  may. 

My  God  and  Lord,  I  cast  on  thee 
The  load  that  weighs  too  sore  on  me, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  221 

The  yoke  'neath  which  I  bow ; 
I  lay  my  rank,  my  high  command, 
In  my  Almighty  Father's  hand, 

Well  knowing,  Lord,  that  thou 
Wilt  ne'er  withdraw  it,  for  thy  truth 
Hath  ever  guided  me  from  youth. 

To  thee  my  kindred  I  commend, 
For  they  are  safe  if  thou  defend, 

Oh  guard  them  round  about ; 
My  sinful  soul  would  shelter  take 
In  Jesus'  bosom,  for  whose  sake 

Thou  wilt  not  cast  her  out ; 
When  soul  and  body  part  at  last, 
Then  all  myself  on  thee  I  cast. 

Anton  Ulrich,  Duke  of  Brunswick,  died  1714. 


EVEHIH8  BYMH. 

Ann  ruhen  alh    Wdldeii. 


Now  rest  the  woods  again, 
Man,  cattle,  town  and  plain. 


222  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  world  all  sleeping  lies. 
But  sleep  not  yet,  my  soul, 
For  He  who  made  this  whole, 

Loves  that  thy  prayers  to  him  arise. 

0  Sun,  where  is  thy  glow  ? 
Thou'rt  fled  before  thy  foe, 

Thou  yieldest  to  the  night. 
Farewell,  a  better  Sun, 
My  Jesus,  hath  begun 

To  fill  my  heart  with  joy  and  light. 

The  long  bright  day  is  past, 
The  golden  stars  at  last 

Bestud  the  dark-blue  heaven ; 
And  like  a  star  shall  I 
For  ever  shine  on  high, 

When  my  release  from  earth  is  given, 

My  body  hastes  to  rest, 
My  weary  limbs  undrest, 

I  put  away  these  signs 
Of  our  mortality ; 
Once  Christ  shall  give  to  me 

That  spotless  robe  that  ever  shines. 

My  head  and  hands  and  feet 
Their  rest  with  gladness  greet, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  2-3 

And  know  their  work  is  o'er ; 
My  heart,  thou  too  shalt  be 
From  sinful  works  set  free, 

Nor  pine  in  weary  sorrow  more. 

Ye  limbs  with  toil  oppressed, 
Go  now  and  take  your  rest, 

For  quiet  sleep  ye  crave. 
Ere  many  a  day  is  fled, 
Ye'll  find  a  narrower  bed 

And  longer  slumber  in  the  grave. 

My  heavy  eyes  must  close, 
Sealed  up  in  deep  repose, 

Where  is  my  safety  then  ? 
Do  thou  thy  mercy  send, 
My  helpless  hours  defend, 

Thou  sleepless  Eye,  that  watchest  over  men. 

Jesus,  nry  joy,  now  spread 
Thy  wings  above  my  head, 

To  shield  thy  little  one. 
Would  Satan  work  me  wrong. 
Oh  !  be  thy  angels'  song, 

';  To  him  no  evil  shall  be  done." 

My  loved  ones  all,  good  night ! 
No  grief  or  danger  light 


221  SACRED     LYRICS 

On  your  defenceless  heads. 
God  send  you  happy  sleep, 
And  let  his  angels  keep 

Watch  golden-armed  around  your  beds ! 

Paul  Gerhardt,  died  1676. 


FIIIML  HYMH. 

"Wohlauf!  wohlan  !  zura  letzten  Gang, 
Kurz  ist  der  Weg,  die  Ruh'  ist  lang." 

Come  forth  !  come  on,  with  solemn  song  ! 
The  road  is  short,  the  rest  is  long. 
The  Lord  brought  here,  he  calls  away  : 

Make  no  delay, 
This  home  was  for  a  passing  day. 

Here  in  an  inn  a  stranger  dwelt, 
Here  joy  and  grief  by  turns  he  felt ; 
Poor  dwelling,  now  we  close  thy  door ! 

The  task  is  o'er, 
The  sojourner  returns  no  more. 

Now  of  a  lasting  home  possessed, 
He  goes  to  seek  a  deeper  rest. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  225 

Good  night !  the  day  was  sultry  here, 

In  toil  and  fear, 
Good  night !  the  night  is  cool  and  clear. 

Chime  on,  ye  bells  !  again  begin, 
And  ring  the  Sabbath  morning  in, 
The  labourer's  week-day  work  is  done, 

The  rest  begun, 
Which  Christ  hath  for  his  people  won  ! 

Now  open  to  us  gates  of  peace  ! 
Here  let  the  pilgrim's  journey  cease; 
Ye  quiet  slumberers,  make  room, 

In  your  still  home, 
For  the  new  stranger  who  has  come  ! 

How  many  graves  around  us  lie  ! 
How  many  homes  are  in  the  sky  ! 
Yes,  for  each  saint  doth  Christ  prepare 
A  place  with  care  : 
Tlvy  home  is  waiting,  brother,  there. 

Jesus,  thou  reignest,  Lord,  alone, 
Thou  wilt  return  and  claim  thine  own. 
Come  quickly,  Lord  !  return  again  ! 

Amen !  Amen ! 
Thine  seal  us  ever,  now  and  then  ! 

F.  Sachse. 
15 


226  SACRED     LYRICS 


mi  mmm  hot  so, 

Nicht  so  traurig,  niclit  so  sehr. 

Ah  !  grieve  not  so,  nor  so  lament, 
My  soul !  nor  troubled  sigh, 

Because  some  joys  to  others  sent 
Thy  Father  may  deny  ; 

Take  all  as  love  that  seems  severe  ; 

There  is  no  want  if  God  is  near. 

There  is  no  right  thou  canst  demand, 
No  title  thou  canst  claim, 

For  all  are  strangers  in  the  land 
Who  bear  the  human  name; 

Earth  and  its  treasures  are  the  Lord's, 

And  he  the  lot  of  each  accords. 

How  thankless  art  thou,  child  of  man  ! 

For  favours  that  abound  ; 
Thy  God  has  given  thee  eyes  to  scan 

The  glory  all  around  ; 
Yet  seldom  for  this  priceless  sight, 
Hast  thou  been  heard  to  praise  aright. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  227 

Number  thy  limbs,  thy  members  tell, 

And  ask  thy  thankless  soul, 
If  to  another  thou  wouldst  sell 

The  smallest  of  the  whole. 
There  is  not  one  from  which  thy  heart 
Would  willingly  submit  to  part. 

Now,  go  and  search  the  depths  of  mind, 

Explore  its  wondrous  power, 
New  proofs  of  benefits  to  find, 

That  meet  thee  every  hour ; 
More  than  the  sand  upon  the  shore, 
And  ever  rising  more  and  more. 

He  knows,  who  lives  on  Zion's  hill, 

What  we  in  truth  require, 
Knows  too  how  many  blessings  still 

This  flesh  and  blood  desire ; 
And  could  he  safely  all  bestow, 
He  would  not  let  thee  sorrowing  go. 

Thou  wert  not  born  that  earth  should  be 

A  portion  fondly  sought ; 
Look  up  to  heaven,  and  smiling  see 

Thy  shining,  golden  lot ! 
Honours  and  joys,  which  thou  shalt  share, 
Unending  and  unenvied  there  ! 


228  SACRED     LYRICS 

Then  journey  on  to  life  and  bliss, 

God  will  protect  to  heaven ; 
And  every  good  that  meets  thee  is 

A  blessing  wisely  given. 
If  losses  come, — so  let  it  be, 
The  God  of  heaven  remains  with  thee. 

Paul  Gerhaudt,  died  1676. 


TIE  COUMJMOH  OF  8AIST8. 

0  wic  selig  seyd  ihr  docli,  ihr  Frommen. 
CHURCH    ON   EARTH. 

"  Oh  !  how  blessed  are  ye,  saints  forgiven, 
Through  the  gate  of  death  now  safe  in  heaven, 

All  trials  over, 
All  the  ills,  which  round  us  darkly  hover!" 

CHURCH    IN    HEAVEN. 

"  Yes,  dear  friends,  our  joys  are  still  increasing, 
Our  songs  of  praise  are  new  and  never  ceasing, 

All  preparing 
For  the  time  when  you  shall  all  be  sharing." 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  229 

CHURCH    ON   EARTH. 

"  We  are  now  as  in  a  prison  dwelling, 
Storms  of  care  and  trouble  o'er  us  swelling ; 

All  around  us 
Only  sins  and  griefs,  to  snare  and  wound  us." 

CHURCH    IN    HEAVEN. 

"Ah,  beloved  friends!  be  not  complaining, 
Wish  not  joy  while  still  on  earth  remaining, 

Be  still  confiding 
In  your  Father's  love  and  tender  guiding." 

CHURCH    ON    EARTH. 

"  In  your  quiet  home  so  gently  resting, 
Safe  for  evermore  from  all  molesting, 

No  care  or  sorrow 
Can  you  feel  to  day,  or  fear  to-morrow  !" 

CHURCH    IN    HEAVEN. 

"  In  your  conflicts  we  were  once  engaging, 
Long  with  sin  and  Satan  warfare  waging ; 

All  your  distresses 
Once  were  ours,  to  weary  and  oppress  us." 

CHURCH  ON  EARTH. 

"  Christ  has  wiped  away  your  every  tear, 
You  enjoy  what  we  are  seeking  here, 


230  SACRED     LYRICS 

The  harps  of  heaven 
Sound  in  strains  to  mortals  never  given.' 


CHURCH    IX    HEAVEN. 

"  Yet  in  patience  run  the  race  before  you, 

Long  for  heaven,  where  Love  is  watching  o'er  you. 

Sow  in  weeping, 
Soon  the  fruit  with  joy  you  shall  be  reaping." 

CHURCH  ON  EARTH. 

"  Come,  come  quickly,  long  expected  Jesus, 
From  all  sin  and  sorrow  to  release  us, 

Quickly  take  us 
To  thyself,  and  blest  for  ever  make  us !" 

CHURCH    IN    HEAVEN. 

"  Ah,  beloved  souls  !  your  palms  victorious, 
Golden  harps,  and  thrones  of  triumph  glorious, 

All  are  waiting, — 
Follow  on  with  courage  unabating." 

CHORUS. 

"  Let  us  join  to  praise  his  name  for  ever, 
To  us  both  of  every  good  the  giver, 

Life  undying 
We  shall  each  obtain,  on  him  relying. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  231 

"  Praise  him,  men  on  earth,  and  saints  in  heaven ! 
To  the  Lamb  be  praise  and  glory  given, 

Praise  unending, 
Glory  through  eternity  extending!" 

Simon  Dach. 


JOYS  TQ  GQJIE. 

Wird  das  nicht  Freude  seyn? 

Will  not  that  joyful  be, 
When  we  walk  by  faith  no  more, 
When  the  Lord  we  loved  before, 

As  Brother-man  we  see  ; 
When  he  welcomes  us  above, 
When  we  share  his  smile  of  love, 

Will  not  that  joyful  be  ? 

Will  not  that  joyful  be, 
When  to  meet  us  rise  and  come, 
All  our  buried  treasures  home, 

A  gladsome  company  ! 


232  SACRED     LYRICS 

When  our  arms  embrace  again, 
Those  we  mourned  so  long  in  vain, 
Will  not  that  joyful  be? 

Will  not  that  joyful  be, 
When  the  foes  we  dread  to  meet, 
Every  one  beneath  our  feet 

We  tread  triumphantly  ! 
When  we  never  more  can  know 
Slightest  touch  of  pain  or  woe, 

Will  not  that  joyful  be? 

Will  not  that  joyful  be, 
When  we  hear  wThat  none  can  tell 
And  the  ringing  chorus  swell 

Of  angels'  melody  ! 
When  we  join  their  songs  of  praise, 
Hnllelujahs  with  them  raise, 

Will  not  that  joyful  be? 

Yes  !  that  will  joyful  be, 
Let  the  world  her  gifts  recall, 
There  is  bitterness  in  all, 

Her  joys  are  vanity  ! 
Courage,  dear  ones  of  my  heart  ! 
Though  it  grieves  us  here  to  part, 
There,  Ave  will  joyful  be  ! 


('.     VuN     S<  IIWK1N1TZ. 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  233 


Wie  ein    Vogel  lieblich  m'nyet. 

As  a  bird  in  meadows  fair 

Or  in  lonely  forest  sings 
Till  it  fills  the  summer  air 

And  the  greenwood  sweetly  rings, 
So  my  heart  to  thee  wrould  raise, 
0  my  God,  its  song  of  praise 
That  the  gloom  of  night  is  o'er 
And  I  see  the  sun  once  more. 

If  thou,  Sun  of  Love,  arise, 

All  my  heart  with  joy  is  stirred, 
And  to  greet  thee  upward  flies 
Gladsome  as  yon  little  bird. 
Shine  thou  in  me  clear  and  bright 
Till  I  learn  to  praise  thee  right ; 
Guide  me  in  the  narrow  way, 
Let  me  ne'er  in  darkness  stray. 

Bless  to-day  whate'er  I  do, 

Bless  whate'er  I  have  and  love  ; 


234  SACRED     LYRICS 

From  the  paths  of  virtue  true 
Let  me  never,  never  rove ; 
By  thy  Spirit  strengthen  me 
In  the  faith  that  leads  to  thee, 
Then  an  heir  of  life  on  high 
Fearless  I  may  live  and  die. 


Asox.     About  1580. 


TEE  RRMIMBRAHGI. 

Wie  Jcontt  ich  Sein  vergensen. 

Oh  how  could  I  forget  Him 

Who  ne'er  forgetteth  me  ? 
Or  tell  the  love  that  let  him 

Come  down  to  set  me  free  ? 
I  lay  in  darkest  sadness, 

Till  he  made  nil  things  new, 
And  still  fresh  love  and  gladness 

Flow  from  that  heart  so  true. 

Oh  how  could  I  e'er  leave  him 
Who  is  so  kind  a  Friend  ? 

Or  how  could  ever  grieve  him 
Who  thus  to  me  doth  bend  ? 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  235 

Have  I  not  seen  him  dying 

For  us  on  yonder  tree  ? 
Do  I  not  hear  him  crying, 

"Arise  and  follow  me?" 


For  ever  will  I  love  him 

Who  saw  my  hopeless  plight, 
Who  felt  my  sorrows  move  him, 

And  brought  me  life  and  light : 
Whose  arm  shall  be  around  me 

When  my  last  hour  is  come, 
And  suffer  none  to  wound  rne, 

Though  dark  the  passage  home. 

He  gives  me  pledges  holy, 

His  body  and  his  blood, 
He  lifts  the  scorned,  the  lowly, 

He  makes  my  courage  good ; 
For  he  will  reign  within  me, 

And  shed  his  graces  there ; 
The  heaven  he  died  to  win  me 

Can  I  then  fail  to  share  ? 

In  joy  and  sorrow  ever 

Shine  through  me,  Blessed  Heart, 
Who  bleeding  for  us  never 

Didst  shrink  from  sorest  smart ! 


236  SACRED     LYRICS 

Whate'er  I've  loved  or  striven 
Or  borne,  I  bring  to  thee ; 

Now  let  thy  heart  and  heaven 
Stand  open,  Lord,  to  me  ! 


Kern,  died  183: 


Til  MMYIBIB 

0  JJurchbrecher  aller  Bande. 

Thou  who  breakest  every  chain, 

Thou  who  still  art  ever  near, 
Thou  with  whom  disgrace  and  pain 

Turn  to  joy  and  heaven  e'en  here ; 
Let  thy  further  judgments  fall 

On  the  Adam  strong  within, 
Till  thy  grace  hath  freed  us  all 

From  the  prison  house  of  sin. 

'Tis  thy  Father's  will  toward  us, 

Thou  shouldst  end  thy  work  at  length 

Hence  in  thee  are  centered  thus 
Perfect  wisdom,  love,  and  strength, 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  237 

That  thou  none  shouldst  lose  of  those 
Whom  he  gave  thee,  though  they  roam 

'Wildered  here  amid  their  foes, 

Thou  shouldst  bring  them  safely  home. 

Ah  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  not  cease, 

Till  tlrv  perfect  work  be  done ; 
In  thy  hands  we  lie  at  peace, 

Knowing  all  thy  love  hath  won, 
Though  the  world  may  blindly  dream 

We  are  captives  poor  and  base, 
And  the  cross  and  yoke  may  deem 

Signs  of  meanness  and  disgrace. 

Look  upon  our  bonds,  and  see 

How  doth  all  creation  groan 
'Neath  the  yoke  of  vanity, 

Make  thy  full  redemption  known  ; 
Still  we  wrestle,  cry,  and  pray, 

Held  in  bitter  bondage  fast, 
Though  the  soul  would  break  away 

Into  higher  things  at  last. 

Lord,  we  do  not  ask  for  rest 

For  the  flesh,  we  only  pray 
Thou  wouldst  do  as  seems  thee  best, 

Ere  yet  comes  our  parting  day  ; 


238  SACRED     LYRICS 

But  our  spirit  clings  to  thee, 
Will  not,  dare  not,  let  thee  go, 

Until  thou  hast  set  her  free 

From  the  bonds  that  cause  her  woe. 

Ruler  rule,  and  Conqueror  conquer, 

King  assert  thy  sovereign  right, 
Till  there  be  no  slavery  longer 

Spread  the  kingdom  of  thy  might ! 
Lead  the  captives  freely  out, 

Through  the  covenant  of  thy  blood, 
From  our  dark  remorse  and  doubt, 

For  thou  wilt  alone  our  good. 

'Tis  of  our  own  fault,  we  own 

We  are  slaves  to  self  and  sloth, 
Yet  oh!  leave  us  not  alone 

In  the  living  death  we  loathe  ; 
Crushed  beneath  our  burden's  weight, 

Crying  at  thy  feet  we  fall, 
Point  the  path,  though  steep  and  strait, 

Thou  didst  open  once  for  all. 

Ah!  how  dearly  were  we  bought 
Not  to  serve  the  world  or  sin ; 

By  the  work  that  thou  hast  wrought 
Must  thou  make  us  pure  wTithin. — 


FROM     THE     GERMAN.  239 

Wholly  pure  and  free,  in  us 

Be  thine  image  now  restored  : 
Filled  from  out  thy  fulness  thus 

Grace  for  grace  is  on  us  poured. 

Draw  us  to  thy  cross,  0  Love, 

Crucify  with  thee  whate'er 
Cannot  dwell  with  thee  above, 

Lead  us  to  those  regions  fair  ! 
Courage  !  long  the  time  may  seem, 

Yet  his  day  is  coming  fast ; 
We  shall  be  like  them  that  dream 

When  our  freedom  dawns  at  last. 

Gottfried  Arnold.     1697. 


TBI  HOLINESS  01?  60D  BROUGHT  SEAR  TO 
-MAX  IN  CHRIST. 

0  grosser   Geist,  0    Ursprnng. 

0  mighty  Spirit !  Source  whence  all  things  sprung  ! 

0  glorious  Majesty  of  perfect  light ! 
Hath  ever  worthy  praise  to  thee  been  sung, 
Or  mortal  heart  endured  to  meet  thy  sight  ? 
If  they  who  sin  have  never  known 
Must  veil  their  faces  at  thy  throne, 
Oh  how  shall  I.  who  am  but  sin  and  dust, 
Approach  untrembling  to  the  Pure  and  Just? 


240  8  ACRED     LYRICS. 

The  voice  of  conscience  in  the  soul  hath  shown 

Some  far-off  glimpses  of  thy  holiness, 
And  yet  more  clearly  hast  thou  made  it  known 
In  thy  dear  word  that  tells  us  of  thy  grace ; 
But  wTith  all-glorious  light  divine 
In  His  face  we  behold  it  shine, 
The  sinless  One,  who  this  dark  earth  has  trod 
To  win  through  sorrow  sinners  back  to  God. 

The  brightness  of  thy  glory  w7as  the  Son ; 

Thy  law  engraven  on  his  heart  he  wore, 

And  on  his  forehead  that  all  clearly  shone 

Which  Aaron's  forehead  but  in  shadow  bore  ;* 
And  e'en  to  death  did  he  obey 
To  take  the  guilt  of  sin  away, 
And  made  a  curse  for  man,  and  dying  thus, 
He  won  the  power  of  holiness  for  us. 

Now  may  thine  image  in  us  shine  anew 
In  holy  righteousness  and  innocence  ; 
Now  strengthened  by  thy  Son  a  service  true 
Thy  people  render,  pure  from  all  offence; 
But  all  their  light  is  only  dim, 
A  shadowed  broken  light  from  Him, 
Who  that  we  might  be  holy  bore  our  load, 
In  whom  we  dare  to  meet  the  Holy  God. 

J.  J.  Rambach.     1720. 
*  Exodus  xxviii.  36-38. 


APPKXDIX. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  6. 

Keine  Schonheit  hat  die  Welt,  Die  mir  nicht  vor  Augen  stellt 
Meinen   Schonsten,  Jesum   Christ,  Der  der  Schonheit  Urquell  ist. 

Wann  die  Morgenroth'  entsteht,  Und  die  goldne  Sonn'  aufgeht, 
So  erinn're  ich  niich  bald  Seiner  himmlischen  Gestalt. 

Oftnials  denk'  ich  bei  dem  Licht,  Wann  der  junge  Tag  anbricht : 
Ach,  was  ist  fiir  Herrlichkeit  In  dem  Licht  der  Ewigkeit ! 

Seh'  ich  dann  des  Mondes  Strahl  Und  die  Stern'  am  Himmelssaal, 
So  gedenk'  ich  :  der  diess  macht,  Hat  viel  tausend  grossre  Pracht ! 

Schau'  ich  dann  im  Friihling  an  Den  bebliimten  Wiesenplan,  Schallt 
es  mir  ins  Herz  hinein  :  Ach,  wie  muss  der  Schopfer  seyn  ! 

Schon  erglanzt  der  Giirten  Ruhm,  Die  erhabne  Lilienblum'  :  Aber 
noch  viel  schoner  ist  Meine  Lilie;  Jesus  Christ. 

Ja,  in  aller  Blumen  Reihn,  Wie  sie  mbgen  immer  seyn,  Wird  gar 
hell  und  klar  gespiirt  Dessen  Schonheit,  der  sie  ziert. 

Wann  ich  zu  dem  Quellbrunn  geh',  Oder  bei  dem  Biichlein  steh', 
So  versenkt  sich  gleich  in  ihn,  Als  den  reinsten  Quell,  mein  Sinn. 

Lieblich  singt  die  Nachtigall;  Siisse  klingt  der  Flotenhall;  Aber 

iiber  alien  Ton  Ist  das  Wort :  Mariensohn  ! 

16  (241) 


242  APPENDIX. 

Anmutli  gibt  es  in  der  Luft,  Wenn  das  Echo  wiederruft  ;  Aber  nichts 
ist  hier  und  dort  Siisser,  als  des  Liebsten  Wort. 

0  du  Liebe,  komin  herfur,  Komm,  erscheine  selber  mir  !  Lass 
micb  sehn  dein  eigen  Licht  Und  dein  holdes  Angesicht ! 

0  dass  deiner  Gottheit  Glanz  Meinen  Geist  durchdriinge  ganz, 
Und  dein  Strahl  der  Herrliohkeit  Mich  entzuckt'  aus  Ort  und  Zeit ! 

Ach,  mein  Jesu,  nimm  doch  hin,  Was  mir  triibet  Geist  und  Sinn, 
Dass  ich  dich  zu  jeder  Frist  Sebe,  wie  du  selber  bist ! 

Zeuch  den  Geist  in  dich  ernpor,  Dass  ich  in  der  Engel  Chor  Deines 
Xamens  Ruhm  erhbh',  Und  mit  dir  vereinigt  steh' ! 

JOH.   AXGKLUS. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  20. 

Lebst  du  in  mir,  o  wahres  Leben,  So  sterbe  nur,  was  du  nicht  bist ! 
Denn  seit  ich  dir  mein  Herz  ergeben,  So  weiss  ich  erst,  was  Leben 
ist.  0  Jesu,  du  sollst  mein  verbleiben,  Nichts  soil  mich  von  der 
Liebe  treiben,  Die  du  mir  zugesaget  hast !  0  Strom  der  Freude,  der 
mich  tranket,  Wenn  sich  mein  Herz  in  dich  versenket,  Und  dich,  o 
Seelenfreund,  umfasst ! 

Herz,  das  in  Liebesglut  gestorben,  Ach,  lass  mein  Herz  in  Flammen 
stehn  !  Entziind'  es  dir,  du  hast's  erworben;  Lass  alles  Andre  unter- 
gehn  !  An  dir  soil  ewig  mir  geniigen ;  Lass  mich  in  deiner  Liebe 
siegen,  Ja,  siege  du  nur  selbst  in  mir !  So  werd'  ich  frohlich  trium- 
phiren,  So  wird  dein  Todessieg  mich  zieren,  So  leb'  und  leid'  und  sterb' 
ich  dir. 

Ziind'  auch  in  mir  der  Liebe  Flammen  Zum  Dienste  deiner  Glieder 


APPENDIX.  243 

an.  Halt'  uns  als  Einen  Leib  zusaimnen,  Dass  keine  Macht  uns 
trennen  kann.  Wenn  ich  nur  bin  wie  du  gesinnet,  Dein  Bild  in  inir 
Gestalt  gewinnet,  Und  dein  Gebot  mir  heilig  ist :  So  werd'  ich 
Freund'  und  Feinde  lieben,  So  wird  ihr  Kummer  rnich  betruben, 
Wie  du  mir  vorgegangen  bist. 

Soil  icli  in  Noth  und  Kummer  stehen,  So  lass  mich  nie  verzaget 
seyn.  Die  Liebe  muss  mit  Thr'anen  s'aen,  Eh'  goldne  Halmen  sie 
erfreu'n.  Du  gehst  voran  mit  treuem  Winken;  Und  wenn  die  miiden 
Kniee  sinken,  So  richte  du  sie  wieder  auf.  Lass  mich  im  Kampf 
nicht  mude  werden  !  Der  kurze  Leidensgang  auf  Erden  Fuhrt  sie  zur 
ew'gen  Freud'  hinauf. 

Gib  mir  des  Glaubens  Licht  und  Kriifte,  Dass  er  die  wahren 
Friichte  treibt;  Mach'  mich  zur  Rebe  voller  Safte,  Die  fest  an  ihrem 
Weinstock  bleibt.  Du  bist  der  Fels,  auf  den  ich  baue,  Du  bist  mein 
Heiland,  dem  ich  traue,  Du  bist  des  Glaubens  fester  Grund !  "Wenn 
sich  die  Zweifelsstunden  finden;  So  lass  dein  Licht  mir  nicht  ver- 
schwinden,  Und  mach'  den  kranken  Geist  gesund. 

Lass  meine  Hoffnung  nicht  erliegen;  Hilf,  dass  dein  Kreuz  ihr 
Anker  sey.  Mit  dir  kann  ich  die  Furcht  besiegen,  Dein  Naheseyn 
macht  schreckenfrei !  Die  Welt  mag  auf  das  Eitle  bauen  :  Ich  aber 
will  auf  dich  nur  schauen,  0  Jesu,  meiner  Hoffnung  Licht !  Dich 
will  ich  liebend  stets  umfassen ;  Du  wirst  den  Schwachen  nicht  ver- 
lassen,  Denn  deine  Liebe  wanket  nicht. 

Zur  Demuth  fuhre  mich  dein  Leiden ;  Die  Niedrigkeit  sey  meine 
Zier.  Wer  dich  sucht,  muss  das  Hohe  meiden )  Der  Stolz  hat  keinen 
Theil  an  dir.  Wen'  dem,  der  nur  nach  Ehren  rennet !  Dagegen, 
wer  sein  Nichts  erkennet,  Den  hebst  du  aus  dem  Staub  empor.  0 
driick'  dein  Bild  mir  in  die  Seele,  Dass  ich  das  Kleinod  :  "Demuth" 
wiihle,  So  dring'  ich  durch  das  enge  Thor ! 

Willst  du  mich  langer  leben  lassen,  So  leb'  ich,  weil  es  dir  gefallt. 


244  APPENDIX. 

Soil  ich  im  fruhern  Tod  erblassen,  So  scheid'  ich  frbhlich  aus  der 
Welt.  Lass  nur  dein  Leben  in  inir  leben  !  Dein  Sterben  lass  mir 
Starke  geben,  Wann  nun  die  letzte  Notli  erscheint.  Ich  will  mich  dir 
a  jf  ewig  schenken,  Ich  will  im  Tod  und  Leben  denken  :  Du  bist  und 
)  leibst  mit  rnir  vereint ! 

SlNOLD. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  24. 

Wie  soil  ich  dich  empfangen,  Und  wie  begegnen  dir,  0,  aller  Welt 
V'erlangen,  0,  meiner  Seele  Zier?  O  Jesu,  Jesu,  setze  Mir  selbst 
die  Leuchte  bei,  Daniit,  was  dich  ergotze,  Mir  kund  und  wissend 
sey  ! 

Dein  Zion  streut  dir  Palmen  Und  griine  Zweige  hin ;  Und  ich 
will  dir  in  Psalmen  Ermuntern  meinen  Sinn.  Mein  Herze  soil  dir 
griinen  In  stetem  Lob  und  Preis,  Und  deinem  Namen  dienen,  So  gut 
es  kann  und  weiss. 

Was  hast  du  unterlassen  Zu  meiner  Seligkeit,  Als  Leib  und  Seele 
sassen  In  ihrem  grossten  Leid  ?  Als  mir  das  Reich  genommen,  Da 
Fried'  und  Freude  lacht,  Bist  du  mein  Heil  gekomrnen,  Und  hast 
mich  froh  gemacht. 

Ich  lag  in  schweren  Banden  :  Du  kommst  und  machst  mich  los. 
Ich  stund  in  Spott  und  Schanden  :  Du  kommst  und  machst  mich 
gross,  Und  hebst  mich  hoch  zu  Ehren,  Und  schenkst  mir  grosses 
Gut,  Das  sich  nicht  l'asst  verzehren,  Wie  eitler  Reichthum  thut. 

Nichts,  nichts  hat  dich  getrieben  Zu  mir  vom  Himmelszelt,  Als 
dein  getreues  Lieben,  Damit  du  alle  Welt  In  ihren  tausend  Plagcn 


APPENDIX.  245 

Und  grosser  Ianimerlast,  Die  kein  Mund  kann  aussagen,  So  fest  uru- 
fangen  hast. 

Das  schreib'  in  deine  Herzen,  Du  hochbetriibtes  Heer,  Bei  welcheni 
Gram  und  Schinerzen  Sich  haufen  mehr  und  melir.  Seyd  unverzagt ! 
ihr  habet  Die  Hiilfe  vor  der  Thiir :  Der  eure  Herzen  labet  Und 
trostet,  stent  allhier. 

Ihr  diirft  euch  nicht  beniiihen,  Xoch  fragen  Tag  und  Xacht,  AYie 
ihr  ihn  wollet  ziehen  Mit  eures  Amies  Macht.  Er  koinrnt,  er  komnit 
rnit  "Willen,  1st  Toiler  Lieb'  und  Lust,  All'  Angst  und  Xoth  zu  stillen, 
Die  ihrn  an  euch  bewusst. 

Auch  diirft  ihr  nicht  erschrecken  Yor  eurer  Siindenschuld ;  Xein, 
Jesus  will  sie  decken  Mit  seiner  Lieb'  und  Huld.  Er  komnit,  er 
kommt  den  Siindern  Zuin  Trost  und  wahren  Heil,  Schafft,  dass  bei 
G-ottes  Kindern  Yerbleib'  ihr  Erb'  und  Theil. 

Lasst  eure  Feinde  driiuen,  Und  weichet  nicht  zuriick;  Der  Herr 
wird  sie  zerstreuen  In  einem  Augenblick.  Er  kommt,  er  kommt,  ein 
Kouig,  Dem  aller  Feinde  Schaar  Yon  Anfang  viel  zu  wenig  Zum 
Widerstande  war. 

Er  kommt  zum  AYeltgerichte,  Zum  Fluch  dem,  der  ihm  fluent ; 
Mit  Gnad'  und  siissem  Lichte,  Dem,  der  ihn  liebt  und  sucht.  Ach 
komm,  ach  komm,  o  Sonne,  Und  hoi'  uns  allzumal  Zum  Licht,  zur 
ew'gen  ^Yonne  In  deinen  Freudensaal  ! 

Paul  Gerhardt. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  43. 

Nun    freut   euch,   liebe   Christeng'mein'    Und    lasst  uns  frbhlich 
springen,  Dass  wir  getrost  und  All  in  Ein'  Mit  Lust  und  Liebe  singen. 


246  APPENDIX. 

Was  Gott  an  uns  gewendet  hat  Und  seine  siisse  Wunderthat;  Gar 
theu'r  hat  ers  erworben. 

Dem  Teufel  ich  gefangen  lag,  Im  Tod  war  ich  verloren  j  Mein 
Siind  mich  qu'alte  Nacht  und  Tag,  Darin  ich  war  geboren;  Ich  fiel 
auch  iminer  tiefer  drein,  Es  war  kein  Guts  am  Leben  mein;  Die 
Siind  hatt'  mich  besessen. 

Mein"  gute  Werk',  die  galten  nicht,  Es  war  mit  ihn'n  verdorben  j 
Der  frei  Will  hasste  Gottes  G'richt,  Er  war  zum  Gut'n  erstorben; 
Die  Angst  mich  zu  verzweifeln  trieb,  Dass  nichts  denn  Sterben  bei 
mir  blieb;  Zur  Holle  musst  ich  sinken. 

Da  jammert'  Gott  von  Ewigkeit  Mein  Elend  ohne  Massen;  Er 
dacht'  an  sein'  Barmherzigkeit  Und  wollt  mir  helfen  lassen ;  Er 
wandt  zu  mir  sein  Yaterherz,  Es  war  bei  ihm  fiirwahr  kein  Scherz  : 
Er  liess  sein  Bestes  kosten. 

Er  sprach  zu  seinem  lieben  Sohn  :  "  Die  Zeit  ist,  zu  erbarmen ; 
Fahr  hin,  mein's  Herzens  werthe  Kron,  Und  sey  das  Heil  dem 
Armen  !  Hilf  ihm  aus  seiner  Siinden  Noth,  Erwiirg  fur  ihn  den  bit- 
tern Tod  Und  lass  ihn  mit  dir  leben  !" 

Der  Sohn  dem  Vater  g'horsam  ward,  Er  kam  zu  mir  auf  Erden, 
Yon  einer  Jungfrau  rein  und  zart,  Er  wollt  mein  Bruder  werden. 
Gar  heimlich  fuhrt'  er  sein'  Gewalt,  Er  gieng  in  meiner  armen  G'stalt, 
Den  Teufel  wollt  er  fahen. 

Er  sprach  zu  mir  :  "  halt  dich  an  mich,  Es  soil  dir  jetzt  gelingen ; 
Ich  geb  mich  selber  ganz  fur  dich,  Da  will  ich  fur  dich  ringen; 
Denn  ich  bin  dein  und  du  bist  mein,  Und  wo  ich  bleib,  da  sollst  du 
seyn  ;  Uns  soil  der  Feind  nicht  scheiden." 

Yergiessen  wird  er  mir  mein  Blut,  Dazu  mein  Leben  rauben; 
Das  leid'  ich  Alles  dir  zu  gut,  Das  halt  mit  festem  Glauben  !  Den 
Tod  verschlingt  das  Leben  mein,  Mein'  L^nschuld  tragt  die  Siinde 
dein  ;  Da  bist  du  selig  worden." 


APPENDIX.  247 

"  Gen  Himmel  zu  dem  Yater  mein  Fahr'  ich  von  diesem  Leben ; 
Da  will  ich  seyn  der  Meister  dein,  Den  Geist  will  ich  dir  geben,  Der 
dich  in  Trubniss  trosten  soil,  Und  lehren  mich  erkennen  wohl,  Und 
in  der  Wahrheit  leiten." 

Was  ich  gethan  hab  und  gelehrt,  Das  sollt  du  thun  und  lehren, 
Damit  das  Reich  Gott's  werd'  vermehrt  Zu  seinem  Lob  und  Ehren ; 
Und  hut  dich  vor  der  Menschen  G'satz ! — Davon  verdirbt  der  edle 
Schatz ;  Das  lass'  ich  dir  zuletzte  I" 

Dr.  Martin  Luther. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  59. 


Wo  soil  ich  hin  ?  Wer  hilfet  mir  ?  Wer  fiihret  mich  zum  Leben  ? 
Zu  Niemand,  Herr,  als  nur  zu  dir,  Will  ich  mich  frei  begeben ;  Du 
bist's,  der  das  Verlor'ne  sucht ;  Du  segnest  das,  was  sonst  verflucht ; 
Hilf,  Jesu,  dem  Elenden ! 

Herr,  meine  Siinden  angsten  mich;  Der  Todesleib  mich  plaget; 
0  Lebensfurst,  erbarme  dich,  Yergib  mir,  was  mich  naget !  Du  weisst 
es  wohl,  was  mir  gebricht :  Ich  bin  entfernt  von  deinem  Licht ;  Hilf, 
Jesu,  dem  Betriibten  ! 

Du  sprichst,  ich  soil  mich  furchten  nicht;  Du  rufst :  "  Ich  bin  das 
Leben  !"  Drum  ist  mein  Trost  auf  dich  gericht't,  Du  kannst  mir 
Alles  geben.  Im  Tode  kannst  du  bei  mir  steh'n,  Im  Kampf  als 
Sieger  vor  mir  geh'n ;  Hilf,  Jesu,  dem  Zerknirschten  ! 

Bist  du  der  Arzt,  der  Kranke  tragt?  Auf  dich  will  ich  mich 
legen ;  Bist  du  der  Hirt,  der  Schwache  pflegt !     Erquicke  mich  mit 


248  APPENDIX. 

Segen  !  Ich  bin  gefahrlich  krank  und  schwach,  Heir  und  verbind' ! 
hor'  an  mein  Ach  !  Hilf,  Jesu,  dern  Zerschlagnen  ! 

Ich  thue  nicht,  Herr,  was  icli  soil ;  Wie  kann  ich  doch  bestehen  ? 
Es  driicket  mich,  das  weisst  du  wohl ;  Wie  wird  es  endlich  gehen  ? 
0  Jesu,  komrn,  erlose  doch  Mich  von  des  Todesleibes  loch  !  Das 
will  ich  ewig  preisen. 

Joachim  Neander. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  120. 

Kommt,  Kinder,  lasst  uns  gehen,  Der  Abend  kommt  herbei !  Es 
ist  gefahrlich  sfcehen  In  dieser  Wiistenei.  Kommt,  starket  euren 
Muth,  Zur  Ewigkeit  zu  wandern,  Yon  einer  Kraft  zur  andern  ; — Es 
ist  das  Ende  gut ! 

Es  soil  uns  nicht  gereuen  Der  schmale  Pilgrimspfad,  Wir  kennen 
ja  den  Treuen,  Der  uns  gerufen  hat.  Kommt,  folgt  und  trauet  dem  ! 
Mit  ganzer  Wendung  richte  Ein  jeder  sein  Gesichte  Fest  nach  Jeru- 
salem. 

Der  Ausgang  der  geschehen,  Ist  uns  furwahr  nicht  leid;  Es  soil 
noch  besser  gehen  Zur  stillen  Ewigkeit.  Ihr  Lieben,  seyd  nicht 
bang',  Verachtet  tausend  Welten,  Ihr  Locken  und  ihr  Schelten,  Und 
geht  nur  euren  Gang. 

Geht's  der  Natur  entge^en,  So  geht's,  wie  Gott  es  will :  Die  Fleisch 
und  Sinne  pflegen,  Die  kommen  nicht  zum  Ziel.  Verlasst  die  Krea- 
tur  XJnd  was  euch  sonst  will  binden  ;  la,  lasst  euch  selbst  dahinten  ; 
— Es  geht  durch's  Stevben  nur. 


APPENDIX.  249 

Schmiickt  euer  Herz  auf  s  Beste,  Weit  mehr,  als  Leib  und  Haus ; 
Wir  sind  hier  fremde  Giiste  Und  Ziehen  bald  hinaus.  Das  Kinder- 
spiel  am  Weg  Lasst  uns  nicht  viel  besehen  ;  Durch  S'aumen  und  durch 
Stehen  Wird  man  verstrickt  und  tr'asr. 

1st  unser  Weg  gleich  enge,  Gar  einsam,  krumni  und  schlecht,  Der 
Dornen  wohl  in  Menge  Und  manches  Kreuze  tragt :  Es  ist  doch  nur 
ein  Weg;  Lasst  seyn,  wir  gehen  weiter,  Wir  folgen  unserm  Leiter 
Und  brechen  durch's  Geheg. 

Was  wir  hier  horen,  sehen,  Das  horen,  seh/n  wir  kauin ;  Wir 
lassens  da,  und  gehen,  Es  irret  uns  kein  Traum.  Wir  geh'n  in's 
Ew'ge  ein;  Mit  Gott  muss  unser  Handeln,  Im  Hiramel  unser  Wan- 
deln  Und  Herz  und  Alles  seyn. 

Wir  wandeln  eingekehret,  Verachtet,  unbekannt,  Man  siehet,  kennt, 
und  horet  Uns  kaum  im  fremden  Land ;  Und  horet  man  uns  ja,  So 
horet  man  uns  singen  Von  all  den  grossen  Dingen,  Die  auf  uns  warten 
da. 

Kommt,  Kinder  !  lasst  uns  gehen,  Der  Vater  gehet  mit;  Er  selbst 
will  bei  uns  stehen  In  jedem  sauren  Tritt;  Er  will  uns  machen 
Muth,  Mit  siissen  Sonnenblicken  Uns  locken  und  erquicken  ; — Ach 
ja,  wir  haben's  gut ! 

Ein  jeder  munter  eile  !  Wir  sind  vom  Ziel  noch  fern  ;  Schaut  auf 
die  Feuers'aule,  Die  Gegenwart  des  Herrn  !  Das  Aug'  nur  eingekehrt, 
Da  uns  die  Liebe  winket  Und  dem,  der  folgt  und  sinket,  Den  wahren 
Ausgang  lehrt ! 

Des  siissen  Lammes  Wesen  Wird  uns  da  eingedriickt;  Mann 
kann's  am  Wandel  lesen,  Wie  kindlich,  wie  gebiickt,  Wie  sanft, 
gerad'  und  still  Die  Liimmer  vor  sich  sehen,  Und  ohne  Zaudern  gehen 
So,  wie  ihr  Fuhrer  will. 

Kommt,  lasst  uns  munter  wandern  !  Wir  gehen  Hand  in  Hand; 
Ein's  freuet  sich  am  andern  In  diesem  fremden  Land.     Kommt,  lasst 


250  APPENDIX. 

uns  kindlich  seyn,  Uns  auf  dem  Weg  nicht  streiten  !  Die  Engel  selbst 
begleiten  Als  B ruder  unsre  Reih'n. 

Und  sollt'  ein  Schwacher  fallen,  So  greif  der  St'ark're  zu;  Man 
trag'  und  helfe  Allen,  Man  pflanze  Fried'  und  Run'.  Kommt, 
scliliesst  euch  fester  an  !  Ein  Jeder  sey  der  Kleinste,  Doch  auch 
wohl  gern  der  Reinste  Auf  unsrer  Pilgerbahn. 

Es  wird  nicht  laug  mehr  wahren, — Harrt  noch  ein  wenig  aus  !  Es 
wird  nicht  lang'  mehr  wahren,  So  kommen  wir  nach  Haus.  Da  wird 
man  ewig  ruh'n,  Wenn  wir  mit  alien  Frommen  Heim  zu  dem  Vater 
kommen; — TV7ie  wohl,  wie  wohl  wird's  thun! 

So  wollen  wir's  denn  wagen, — Es  ist  ja  wagenswerth, — Dem  griind- 
lich  abzusagen,  Was  aufhiilt  und  beschwert.  Welt,  du  bist  uns  zu 
klein!  Wir  geh'n  durch  Jesu  Leiten  Hin  in  die  Ewigkeiten; — Es 
soil  nur  Jesus  seyn  ! 

Gerhard  Tersteegen. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  133. 


Je  grosser  Kreuz,  je  naher  Himmel!  Wer  ohne  Kreuz,  ist  ohne 
Gottj  Bei  dem  verlarvten  Weltgetiimmel  Vergisst  man  Hblle,  Fluch 
und  Tod:  0  selig  ist  der  Mensch  geschatzt,  Den  Gott  in  Kreuz  und 
Trubsal  setzt ! 

Je  grosser  Kreuz,  je  bess're  Christen;  Gott  pruft  uns  mit  dem 
Probestein.  Wie  mancher  Garten  muss  gleich  Wiisten  Ohn'  einen 
Thr'anenregen  seyn !  Das  Gold  wird  auf  dem  Feuerherd,  Eiu  Christ 
in  mancher  Xoth  bewahrt. 

Je  grosser  Kreuz,  je  starkrer  Glaube ;  Die  Palme  wachset  bei  der 


APPENDIX.  251 

Last;  Die  Siissigkeit  fleusst  aus  der  Traube,  Wenn  du  sie  wohl 
gekeltert  hast;  Im  Kreuze  wachset  uns  der  Muth,  Wie  Perlen  in 
gesalzner  Fluth. 

Je  grosser  Kreuz,  je  mehr  Gebete;  Geriebne  Krauter  duften 
wohl  j  Wenn  um  das  Schiff  kein  Sturmwind  wehte,  So  fragte  man 
nicht  nach  dem  Pol;  Wo  k'amen  Davids  Psalmen  her,  Wenn  er  nicht 
auch  versuchet  war'  ? 

Je  grosser  Kreuz,  je  mehr  Verlangen;  Im  Thale  steiget  man  berg- 
an ;  AVer  durch  die  W  listen  oft  gegangen,  Der  sehnet  sich  nach 
Kanaan ;  Das  Taublein  findet  hier  nicht  Run',  So  fleucht  es  nach  der 
Arche  zu. 

Je  grosser  Kreuz,  je  lieber  Sterben;  Man  freut  sich  dann  auf 
seinen  Tod,  Denn  man  entgehet  dem  Verderben,  Es  stirbt  auf  einmal 
alle  Noth.  Das  Kreuze,  das  die  Griiber  ziert,  Bezeugt,  man  habe 
triumphirt. 

Gekreuzigter  !  lass  mir  dein  Kreuze  Je  langer  und  je  lieber  seyn; 
Dass  mich  die  Ungeduld  nicht  reize,  So  pflanz'  ein  solches  Herz  mir 
ein,  Das  Glaube,  Lieb'  und  Hoffnung  hegt,  Bis  dort  mein  Kreuz  die 
Krone  tragt ! 

B.    SCHMOLKE. 


For  the  Translation  see  page  153. 


Nein,  nein,  das  ist  kein  Sterben,  Zu  seinem  Gott  zu  gehn,  Der 
nkelr 
enhbhn 


dunkeln  Erd'  entfliehen,  Und  zu  der  Heimath  ziehen  In  reine  Stern 


252  APPENDIX. 

Nein,  nein,  das  ist  kein  Sterben,  Ein  Himmelsbiirger  seyn,  Beini 
Glanz  der  ew'gen  Kronen  In  siisser  Ruhe  wohnen,  Erl'ost  von  Kampf 
und  Pein. 

Nein,  nein,  das  ist  kein  Sterben,  Der  Gnadenstimme  Ton  Vol! 
Majestat  zu  horen  :  "  Komni,  Kind,  und  scbau'  rait  Ehren  Mein 
Antlitz  auf  dem  Thron!" 

Nein,  nein,  das  ist  kein  Sterben,  Dem  Hirten  nachzugeh'n  !  Er 
fiihrt  sein  Schaf  zu  Freuden,  Er  wird  dich  ewig  weiden,  Wo  Lebens- 
biiume  stehn. 

Nein,  nein,  das  ist  kein  Sterben,  Mit  Herrlichkeit  gekront  Zu 
Gottes  Volk  sich  schwingen,  X'nd  Jesu  Sieg  besingen,  Der  uns  rait 
Gott  versohnt. 

O  nein,  das  ist  kein  Sterben,  Du  Ueil  der  Kreatur  !  Dort  strorat 
in  ew'gen  Wonnen  Der  Liebe  voller  Bronnen  •  Hier  sind  es  Tropfen 
nur. 

Casar  Malar,  in  Genf.     Uebers.  von  A.  Knapp. 


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